Sustainability
The Birmingham Airport Authority is committed to making a difference in the community and supporting economic growth in Alabama with its innovative approach to sustainability. By incorporating sustainability in the Terminal Modernization Project, the Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport will become a beautiful facility that saves on energy and operating costs while reducing its environmental impact on the region.
Working with architects KPS Group, the Authority will seek certification from the Green Building Council through its Leadership in Energy Efficient Design (LEED) program.
Additional objectives in making the Terminal Modernization a sustainable project are as follows:
- Aim to maintain current levels of net energy consumption in the expanded terminal.
- Seek to mitigate storm water run-off.
These objectives are in support of the project goals set by the Birmingham Airport Authority and include:
- Providing a safe and secure facility with an inviting atmosphere that is functional and user-friendly.
- Presenting a socially, financially, and technologically responsible facility that is cutting edge, long lasting, and easily maintained.
The Authority will utilize materials and products sourced from within 500 miles of the project site as well as divert a minimum of 75% of construction waste to recycling centers. The project will include environmentally friendly and energy efficient design elements such as harvesting rainwater, daylighting strategies, and water efficient landscaping.
Water Efficiency
Objectives in the project will integrate numerous sustainable strategies that reduce overall water consumption, manage stormwater runoff, and reduce the burden on municipal water supply and wastewater systems.
- Landscaping will include drought tolerant plantings with irrigation limited to drip systems in select areas.
- Rainwater will be harvested from the roof and utilized for greywater uses such as toilet flushing.
- Highly efficient, sensor operated plumbing fixtures will be incorporated in the terminal.
Energy and Atmosphere
Optimized energy performance will be achieved by building envelope commissioning, reducing the cooling load on the building, and by use of renewable energy systems.
- Lighting loads will be minimized with the use of natural daylight and highly efficient LED lighting while limiting the amount of solar heat gain.
- Process loads will be reduced with improved baggage delivery, use of high efficient elevators, motion sensor escalators, and occupancy sensor convenience outlets.
- Energy recovery will be used to pre-treat outdoor ventilation air and will be used to reduce the heating and cooling load of outdoor air.
- Solar energy will provide hot water to restroom lavatories, reducing the use of electricity and natural gas.
Alternative Transportation Methods
The intent of using alternate transportation methods is to reduce pollution, congestion, and fossil fuel usage associated with automobiles.
- Preferred parking to be given to patrons and employees who carpool or drive fuel efficient cars.
- The Authority will seek out opportunities for bus stops at or near the airport.