New ESG report highlights qualities of JFK’s new Terminal One
Share
The consortium delivering John F. Kennedy International Airport’s new Terminal One has announced the release of its inaugural Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) report.
Delivered with the support of Schneider Electric’s global consulting practice, SE Advisory Services, the report is said to underscore the continued progress in building climate-resilient infrastructure, expanding energy efficiency initiatives, and investing in innovative technologies to support long-term sustainable airport operations.
Called From the Ground Up, the ESG report highlights key milestones across environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and governance as builder and future operator New Terminal One advances construction toward its first phase opening in 2026.
Central to these efforts is an innovative microgrid energy system – among the largest in the New York City area – and one of the largest solar arrays installed on any US airport terminal.
The energy infrastructure, designed and being delivered by AlphaStruxure and featuring Schneider Electric equipment, will enhance resiliency, reduce environmental impact, and support reliable operations amid regional grid disruptions and extreme weather events.
“As we build a transformational international travel experience in the United States, sustainability and resilience are not add-ons; they are foundational,” said Uzoamaka Okoye, chief of staff at The New Terminal One consortium.
“This ESG report also showcases our commitment to integrating innovation, energy efficiency and responsible development into every phase of the project, from construction through future operations.”
Designed to serve up to 23 million passengers annually upon full completion, the terminal will span 2.6 million square feet across a 134-acre footprint at completion and represents a $9.5 billion investment.
It is a key component of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s $19 billion transformation of JFK into a world-class gateway, with two new terminals, two expanded and modernised terminals, a new ground transportation centre and an entirely new, simplified roadway network.
Once complete, the New Terminal One will feature 23 gates and support more than 10,000 jobs, including over 6,000 union construction positions throughout the life of the project.
The report spotlights progress across construction, energy, and social responsibility, including:
• $3.92 billion issued in Green Bonds (2024–2025)
• Six fuel cells onsite with total generation capacity of 2.76 MW
In addition it highlights that its resilient design including backup storage systems and a microgrid is designed to withstand 50% of projected energy demand for 2050; the fact that
288,000+ tons of construction waste diverted through recycling since 2023; and that rainwater harvesting is estimated to collect 50%+ of rooftop runoff.
The New Terminal One has partnered with TCR, a global leader in ground support equipment (GSE) solutions, to provide an all-electric GSE fleet at the new world-class international gateway.
Indeed, it is believed to be the first airport terminal in the world to commit to a centralised fleet of all-electric ground support equipment. Operating a fully electric GSE fleet through an innovative pooling model is a key part of the New Terminal One’s sustainability strategy, which supports the Port Authority’s goal to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions across the agency’s airports and facilities by 2050.
The ESG report also outlines the New Terminal One’s role in supporting the local economy and community, including a $1.72 million investment in outreach programmes focused on business development, education, workforce development, and environmental stewardship.
Schneider Electric has played a key role in enabling the New Terminal One’s energy and digital infrastructure strategy, helping embed digitalisation across critical terminal systems – from passenger-facing technologies to operational and energy management platforms.
“JFK New Terminal One is setting a new benchmark for sustainable, future-ready airport infrastructure,” said Chris Collins, senior vice president for digital buildings at Schneider Electric.
“Through innovation, electrification and resilient energy systems, New Terminal One shows how advancing energy technologies can help large-scale infrastructure reduce environmental impact and enhance operational reliability.”
