These days, we’re making more and more use of renewable energy sources like the sun, the ocean, and the wind, and there are many buildings in the world using them – including airports. Not only are the greenest airports in the world using renewable energy sources, but some are also making use of recycled materials, energy efficient lighting, and heat-reflecting construction.
At our Newark Airport parking company, we’re all about going green. Check out the greenest airports around the world:
Galapagos Ecological Airport
Formerly known as Seymour Airport, this airport was built in 2012 to run solely on solar power and wind power. In addition, 80% of the airport’s building is made from recycled materials and holds the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certificate.
Denver International Airport
Denver’s “circus tent” airport (pictured above) has the largest solar energy system of all the airports in the U.S. It also recycles more than 20 types of materials and has its own composting program. In addition, much of the airport’s vehicle fleet is powered by alternative fuel.
Changi International Airport
This airport in Singapore is one of the busiest in Asia and is known for its abundance of greenery. The airport’s goal is to protect the environment and prevent pollution, which it does through energy efficient lighting, glass fitted with solar shades, a recycling program, and a grey water program.
Boston Logan International Airport
Boston’s Terminal A was actually the first airport in the U.S. to receive a LEED certification. The airport also features 20 wind turbines (that offset around 3% of the building’s energy needs), low-flow bathroom fixtures, heat-reflecting roofing, and a runway paved with environmentally friendly asphalt.
Zurich Airport
This airport in Switzerland works to reduce noise pollution and its overall environmental impact by charging fees by aircraft type. It also employs a rainwater toilet system and a waste management system that promotes reuse and environmentally friendly disposal.
San Francisco International Airport
Not only does San Francisco’s Terminal 2 have a LEED certification of Gold, but the airport’s 2011 renovation recycled 90% of construction materials, created a 20% more efficient ventilation system, and implemented a recycled water program for its bathrooms. In addition, it provides free water refill stations.
East Midlands Airport
This airport in England made its operations carbon neutral in 2012 by installing two wind turbines, ground-pump heaters, and creating a water recycling program. Their initiatives have reduced their carbon emissions by 300 tons and 5% of their energy is now produced by wind power.
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport
Seattle’s airport focuses on recycling 10 different materials including coffee grounds and cooking oils. In addition, their rental car facility meets LEED requirements and the project recycled more than 90% of its excess building materials. It also sports 48 electric car charging stations in its parking garage.
*photo courtesy of wikipedia.org
