Pittsburgh International Airport’s new terminal mimics nature in its design, and now has an official designation as a green building.
The new terminal, which opened last year, earned a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification for its use of responsible and locally sourced building materials, energy-efficient systems, water conservation measures, enhanced indoor air quality features and sustainable waste management.
LEED certification is the most widely recognized green building rating system in the world.
The airport’s terminal garage also earned a Parksmart Gold certification for including energy-efficient lighting, electric vehicle chargers and technology meant to make parking easier and more efficient.
Chad Willis, Allegheny County Airport Authority’s Vice President of Planning, Environmental and Sustainability, said the certifications validate the hard work of the teams behind the terminal design.
“As we continue transforming the airport experience, sustainability and resiliency remain at the core of our decision-making,” Willis said.
The terminal’s design took cues from the Western Pennsylvania landscape, with support beams that resemble trees and soaring, wood-paneled ceilings set with twinkle lights. PIT officials said the design “supports the terminal’s focus on environmental responsibility and occupant well-being, to create a more efficient, resilient and welcoming airport for passengers, employees and the community.”
The new building also features outdoor terraces that are modeled after the local landscape and use captured rainwater from the roof to irrigate the plants.
PIT has previously garnered national recognition for sustainability and resiliency initiatives. The airport has its own, first-of-its-kind electric microgrid powered by natural gas and solar power.