Second LEED Gold accolade for LaGuardia’s Terminal B

LaGuardia Gateway Partners (LGP) has announced that Terminal B at LaGuardia Airport has been awarded its second LEED Gold certification, this time for its operations and maintenance (O&M) practices.

It believes that the prestigious accolade underscores LGP’s “unwavering commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship in aviation infrastructure”.

LEED certification by the US Green Building Council (USGBC) is the most widely used rating system worldwide that recognises excellence in sustainability and design construction, and it represents the standard to which the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s airport redevelopment projects are being held.

LEED O&M evaluates the actual performance of a facility over a one-year period following substantial completion, with rigorous criteria covering energy and water usage, waste management, transportation options, human experience, and indoor air quality.

Rick Cotton, executive director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ), enthused: “Achieving LEED Gold Certification at LaGuardia Airport’s Terminal B is an important demonstration of the commitment the Port Authority shares with its private partners to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

“Across our agency’s operations we are taking tangible steps toward reducing our carbon footprint, including the electrification of our vehicle fleets, development of solar power at our facilities, the use of clean construction strategies, and the operation of green buildings.”

LaGuardia Airport Terminal B, Location: Queens, New York, LaGuardia Gateway Partners.

PANYNJ chairman, Kevin O’Toole, noted: “The LEED Gold certification at LaGuardia Terminal B and recently at Newark-Liberty Airport’s Terminal A exemplifies the Port Authority’s commitment to building for a sustainable future.

“Our focus on building world-class airports also recognizes the opportunity to reduce our carbon footprint with new LEED Gold facilities.”

Key factors contributing to Terminal B’s LEED Gold certification for O&M include:

• Energy Efficiency: Terminal B incorporates innovative design features that optimise natural elements for heating, cooling, and lighting, thereby reducing reliance on traditional energy sources. Utilisation of natural light and a programmable lighting system, along with an HVAC system that utilises outdoor air when available, significantly enhances energy efficiency.

LaGuardia Terminal B.

• Renewable Energy Integration: Rooftop solar hot water systems supplement the domestic hot water supply for restroom facilities, harnessing renewable energy and contributing to overall energy savings.

• Waste Management: Terminal B has implemented strategies to increase organic waste diversion for composting and saw a year over year increase of 500%, demonstrating a commitment to reducing waste generation and promoting recycling initiatives.

• Innovative Technology: The terminal’s baggage handling system (BHS) utilises permanent magnetic motors, allowing for controlled movement of bags only when they are present in the system. The system’s capability to enter ‘sleep mode’ when not in use saves more than 35% of energy compared to standard technologies, further enhancing energy efficiency.

According to LaGuardia Gateway Partners it ensured that it kept sustainability top of mind in both the design of construction work and terminal operations systems.

Following the demolition of the old parking garage, LGP was able to recycle 99 percent of debris into materials for new construction. To reduce summer cooling loads and greenhouse gas emissions, Terminal B’s roof was covered with a light-colored aluminum membrane that reflects solar heat more effectively than conventional materials.

With a technology-based Building Management System, LGP is able to optimize the performance of heating and cooling by supplying the right amount of fresh air when and where it’s needed.

LaGuardia Airport Terminal B, Location: Queens, New York, LaGuardia Gateway Partners.

Jane Garvey, global chair of Meridiam and chair of the Board of Directors of LaGuardia Gateway Partners, said: “LaGuardia Terminal B achieving LEED Gold certification for operations & maintenance underscores our unwavering commitment to sustainability and represents a significant step forward in our mission to create a world-class airport experience for travelers while minimising our environmental footprint.

“This accomplishment stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts of all involved, and we are proud to have played a leading role in shaping a sustainable gateway to New York City.”

While Stewart Steeves, CEO of Vantage Airport Group and member of the Board of Directors of LaGuardia Gateway Partners, noted: “We are proud of this important achievement and are committed to continuing to drive positive environmental change at Terminal B. Congratulations to the entire Terminal B team on earning LEED Gold certification for operations & maintenance.

“We are thrilled to share this milestone with our partners, travellers and New Yorkers.”