Originally published on Green Building Elements By Nicholas Brown.
NORESCO’s Sustainability Services group guided a Green Build terminal expansion at SDIA (San Diego International Airport), earning it a LEED (Leadership In Energy And Environmental Design) Platinum certification from the US Green Building Council (USGBC®), which is the highest LEED certification there is. That means that relatively speaking, this is a stupendously energy-efficient structure!
NORESCO managed Terminal 2 West during its design and construction phases. This project, which is the airport’s largest upgrade yet, comprises 10 new gates, a 460,000 square-foot expansion of Terminal 2, and an additional 1.3 million square feet of space for taxiing and aircraft apron.
Other enhancements include high-performance glazing, an efficient baggage management system, increased natural lighting which saves energy by reducing the need for electric lighting, materials selection, landfill waste reduction (from construction) in excess of 90%, a commitment to monitor energy usage, and improved views on top of their existing award-winning recycling program.
Apart from that, Rick Fedrizzi, president, CEO and founding chair, USGBC, said, “San Diego International Airport’s LEED certification demonstrates tremendous green building leadership. The urgency of USGBC’s mission has challenged the industry to move faster and reach further than ever before, and the Green Build serves as a prime example of just how much we can accomplish.”
This demonstration of leadership is proof of concept as well. Other airports are probably more likely to undergo this expansion now that it works (provided that it didn’t cost too much). Being the first to make a major investment is risky, so everyone else waits for someone else to take the risk first so they can learn from it.
SDIA proves it is possible for atypical buildings to achieve the highest levels of LEED, setting an example for the aviation industry to promote resource conservation. “Involvement in this prestigious achievement with SDIA has been extraordinary,” said Troy Walters, vice president and general manager, NORESCO Sustainability Services. “SDIA is paving the way for other airports to reach for excellence in sustainability and operational efficiency.”
The team initially aimed to exceed the LEED Silver rating, but they ended up blowing past it!
Source: Aviation Pros.
