As program manager for the largest expansion project in San Diego International Airport’s history, AECOM helped deliver a new terminal expansion and served as the design architect and engineer for several significant landside improvements that were part of the Green Build program.
We led the overall sustainability initiative that led to the first Leadership and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum airport terminal in the world. Through the integration of various strategies from advanced Baggage Handling System controls to energy efficiency measures, and on-site renewables, the award-winning program created a new benchmark for the sustainable airport.
The landside improvement project achieved LEED Gold certification and included a variety of sustainable design and construction principles, including naturally ventilated check-in pavilions, stormwater management/low impact development strategies, and a comprehensive procurement and waste management program. By adopting an integrated, whole-program sustainability strategy, our team identified and leveraged synergies between the various components of the Green Build program and created a smart, operationally- aligned sustainability strategy.
AECOM has also been instrumental in helping the airport become the second airport in North America to achieve Airport Carbon Accreditation ‘neutrality’ through our sustainability plans. We helped develop the SAN Strategic Energy Plan (STEP) and Sustainability Management Plan (SMP), which together provide a portfolio of action plans to address the airport’s primary areas of sustainability which include: carbon neutrality, sustainable energy, clean transportation, climate resilience, zero waste and biodiversity.
Our cross-functional team operationalized resource and cost-saving initiatives, allowing SAN’s commitment to aggressive sustainability targets including 80% greenhouse gas emission reduction and a 67% increase in waste diversion. The STEP contains an action-focused roadmap leading to 30% energy cost reduction, 66% reduction in onsite greenhouse gases emissions, and ability to reduce reliance on grid energy by 70%. The plans serve as a model for the effective identification, management and communication of sustainability issues. Each plan sets an industry precedent, collectively establishing SAN’s vision and roadmap for zero carbon, zero waste, and more resilient operations.
Before our sustainability work with the airport, we also helped create a better experience for its traveling patrons. AECOM and Legacy URS worked together in designing, managing and constructing the $907 million expansion for the Terminal 2 – Green Build Program.
The work included adding a dual-level roadway separating new pick-up and drop-off areas, ticketing kiosks, baggage areas, security checkpoints, 10 new gates, waiting areas, retail space, and a central “Sunset Cove” concession area with integrated public art and panoramic views of the runways though a glass wall. Now travelers can focus on outside aircraft movement all the while ordering some lunch. Other features included integrating a new USO waiting area, parking areas, and taxiway expansions.