Pittsburgh’s eco-friendly new terminal to be powered by ‘green’ energy

Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) is set to become the first in the world to be powered by its own microgrid fuelled by thousands of solar panels and natural gas from airport land, it is claimed today.

World-renowned technology institutions, including Carnegie Mellon University, the University of Pittsburgh and a host of innovative Pittsburgh-based tech firms have been hand-selected to develop a new terminal as part of its Terminal Modernization Programme (TMP), with passengers’ health and safety at the forefront of the redesign.

Boldly proclaiming the aim of “completely reinventing the airport experience, the new 700,000 square foot terminal will modernise outdated hub facilities across check-in, security checkpoints and baggage claim, increase indoor space for social distancing and introduce new green outdoor terraces airside.

A new five-story garage for over 3,000 cars with a new rental car facility and improved entrances will also be available.

Announced in September 2017, PIT’s billion-dollar TMP aims to create a consolidated terminal that not only improves passenger experience and lowers long-term costs for airlines but also fuels the region’s future development with the creation of over 5,500 jobs.

“We take our role as a primary gateway into Pittsburgh and the region seriously”, said PIT CEO Christina Cassotis.

“That’s why our Smarter Airport will show, and in many cases implement, the incredible current and future innovation coming out of the region.  The new PIT will be a destination both for travellers to and for residents of the area. “

In 2020, PIT launched the “PIT Safe Travels” programme aimed at increasing passenger confidence in travel through enhanced health and safety measures.

The programme saw the airport team up with Pittsburgh-based Carnegie Robotics to deploy autonomous floor scrubbers using UV technology designed to eliminate microbes in high-traffic areas.

Additional measures included mandating face masks, the introduction of social distancing and protective shields in high traffic areas, enhancing cleaning and disinfection, and implementing new touchless payment technology.