SFO’s Terminal 2 is first U.S. airport terminal awarded LEED Gold

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by Ann Withanee — December 12, 2011—The groundbreaking Terminal 2 (T2) at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) was recently certified LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold by the U.S. Green Building Council, making it the country’s first airport terminal to achieve that goal. Proving that sustainability can co-exist with traveler comfort and convenience, the 640,000-square-foot terminal re-opened to the public in April 2011 after a two-year, $383-million renovation of the 1954 terminal. It recycled 90 percent of the original building content and provided nearly 2,700 jobs. The T2 was achieved by the design-build partnership between Turner Construction and Gensler. T2 is home to American Airlines and Virgin America.

The mission of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is “to show first-hand the benefits sustainable development can provide to a company’s triple bottom line — generating economic returns while improving the environment and the society.” Those credited with the sustainability achievement of T2 were also responsible for the design excellence that distinguishes the project from others in the same category, and the award gives each team member a coveted professional credential.

The renovated T2 has more than 400 computer plug-in outlets and intuitive, comfortable workstation seating; eco-friendly art installations from local artists that highlight the natural world and double as children’s play areas; and convenient “hydration stations” that allow travelers to re-fill reusable water bottles post-security.

Moreover, many unseen features dramatically enhance the traveler experience without an adverse impact on the environment. Travelers breathe cleaner air thanks to a special displacement ventilation system; natural sunlight fills the terminal instead of artificial lighting; a paperless ticketing system throughout the terminal adds convenience and saves trees.

T2’s airline tenants, Virgin America and American Airlines, were integral to SFO’s efforts to achieve the coveted LEED Gold designation. In addition, a LEED Platinum certification was awarded to Virgin America’s office spaces within T2, including its Virgin Employee Village. American Airlines offers its customers in T2 an environmentally friendly Admirals Club, which is designed to achieve LEED Silver certification.

“In collaboration with our design partner Gensler, we were able to incorporate a significant amount of sustainable building materials and further enhance the traveler’s experience,” said Mike O’Brien, Turner Construction’s Senior Vice President.

Going for the Gold: other sustainable features of T2:

  • Energy Efficiency—Energy-efficient lighting and machinery will drastically reduce energy use.
  • Sustainable Building Materials—Sustainable building materials include terrazzo flooring with recycled glass chips, recycled-content carpet, and innovative and efficient use of structural steel.
  • Car-Free Connection—T2 connects to BART via SFO’s AirTrain people mover system, so that employees and travelers alike can easily go from the airport to the city on mass transit.
  • Zero-Waste—Waste stations replace traditional garbage cans with easy-to-use compartments for composting, recyclables and trash.
  • Water Conservation—A dual plumbing system that allows for reclaimed water from SFO’s water treatment facility to be used for toilets and other uses throughout the airport. Moreover, T2’s plumbing fixtures use 40 percent less water than typical fixtures.
  • Dining & Shopping Marketplace—Inspired by San Francisco’s historic Ferry Building, T2 offers a beautiful food marketplace and “retail street” featuring the best of the Bay Area’s retailers and restaurants focusing on locally sourced, natural and organic offerings.
  • Friendly Places for Kids—Two unique children’s play areas that highlight the Bay Area’s natural ecosystem crafted by local artists Walter Kitundu and Charles Sowers.

Exterior of T2 is highlighted by artist Norie Sato’s “Air Over Under.” Photo by Bruce Damonte.

“Public buildings should stand for the ideals of the cities they represent,” says M. Arthur Gensler, Founder of Gensler, which designed the terminal. “San Francisco is committed to sustainability, and SFO recognized that in building T2. This terminal shows the world that airports—even older, remodeled ones—can be great examples of sustainable design.”

“SFO’s new LEED-certified terminal personifies green building through its smart, thoughtful design that treads lightly on our natural resources while helping to optimize human health,” said Rick Fedrizzi, President, CEO and Founding Chair, USGBC. “This project speaks volumes about all of those involved in its development—from the City of San Francisco to Virgin America and American Airlines—and will leave its visitors inspired.”