RDU’s Park Economy 3 project earns sustainability excellence award

Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) has set a new benchmark for sustainable infrastructure, earning the prestigious Envision Platinum Award for its Park Economy 3 (PE3) Expansion Project.

This recognition from the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure (ISI) highlights a shared commitment to environmental stewardship and resilient design, representing the highest level of achievement within the Envision framework.

The project, which expands public parking from 3,820 to nearly 11,000 spaces, demonstrates how large-scale infrastructure can integrate seamlessly with ambitious environmental objectives. The expansion is a cornerstone of the airport’s long-term vision for sustainable growth.

“The PE3 project is a powerful testament to our dedication to environmental goals and responsible development,” said Delia Chi, vice president of planning and sustainability at the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority.

“This award validates our strategy of embedding sustainability into every facet of our operations. It’s not just about adding parking; it’s about creating infrastructure that serves our community and protects our natural resources for generations to come.”

A key element of the project’s success is North Carolina’s first submerged gravel wetland system for stormwater management at an airport.

This innovative system naturally filters run-off, significantly improving water quality before it enters local waterways. RS&H, the employee-owned engineering, architecture and consulting firm behind the design, navigated complex challenges to bring this vision to life.

The project’s influence extends beyond the airport’s boundaries. RS&H included North Carolina State University as a sub-consultant on the project team to study stormwater quality and management performance, strengthening the technical approach while providing invaluable training opportunities for students in stormwater management and fostering the next generation of environmental leaders.

“This project underscores the power of collaboration and a shared vision,” said John Holmes, RS&H’s project manager.

“Working hand-in-hand with our partners, we focused on understanding RDU’s unique needs to deliver a solution that prioritises resiliency and long-term success.

“Overcoming the engineering challenges to implement features like the submerged wetland system required a deep commitment to innovation and teamwork.”

In addition to advanced water management, the project incorporates solar panels to offset energy consumption and implements RDU’s Environmental Compliance Review policy, a first for any US airport.

This policy, created based on regulatory changes, ensures that sustainability remains a guiding principle for all future development.

This project also set new standards for RDU, such as the implementation of electric vehicle charging, continued growth of the electric shuttle bus fleet, and public engagement.

“This award represents years of diligent planning, immense stakeholder engagement, and close collaboration with research and permitting agencies,” noted Courtney Gantt, RS&H’s environmental resilience and stewardship consultant.

“It’s a powerful example of how infrastructure can protect our environment while supporting airport operations. The PE3 project champions a new standard for regional environmental stewardship, proving that economic growth and ecological health can, and should, advance together.”

•  Tarryn Little, PE, is associate vice president for Aviation at RS&H.