LEED® CONCEPTS IN AVIATION DESIGN
The benefits of going green
Leed® Concepts
Building on the cornerstone of sound engineering
principles, the U.S. Green Building
Council (USGBC) has developed a strenuous
certification program that applies specific
concepts for environmentally responsible
and sustainable design.
Integrated Approach
by Gerald Williams, P.E., LEED®AP
and Karen Stelling, P.E., LEED®AP
The USGBC’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental
Design, or LEED®, system integrates project teams of
architects, engineers, owners, contractors and operators.
These teams support a holistic approach to
developing high-performance and environmentally
responsive building systems. LEED design improves
quality of life, as most of our time is spent indoors.
It also provides positive financial impacts.
Multi-layered Savings
LEED design produces savings through the use of
modeling, building orientation and design features that
optimize energy and utility system sizing and minimize
waste and environmental impact. While LEED design
saves money on energy and utility systems, even greater
savings, often overlooked, can be found in personnel
and profitability measures.
Studies demonstrate improved productivity, retention
and reduced absenteeism among those working in
buildings incorporating LEED concepts. Stores
using LEED concepts (good natural lighting, improved
indoor air quality, and independent temperature and
lighting controls) have also reported greater sales than
traditional buildings.
As a cost-cutting measure, a major retailer installed
skylights at one of its “Eco Stores.” Sales numbers from
that store showed sales per square foot in the daylit half
of the store were significantly higher than sales in other
departments. Wal-Mart has since implemented similar
green design elements in other stores.
6
(
Burns & McDonnell
Wide Application
Burns & McDonnell professionals have applied LEED
concepts to a wide range of buildings for government
and private clients. For example, Burns & McDonnell was
responsible for National Oceanographic and Atmospheric
Administration (NOAA) and Alaska’s first LEED-certified
building — a new Tsunami Warning Center.
With more than 24 LEED Accredited Professionals (APs),
Burns & McDonnell is committed to the LEED design
process and the benefits that it brings to our clients. Our
engineers continually find ways to apply LEED principles
to a variety of projects, including aviation design.
LEED for Aviation
Providing good indoor air quality at airport terminals is a
challenging task. Terminals are typically surrounded by air
pollution-generating jet engines, bus engines, auto traffic,
smoking zones and cooking facilities. By modeling prevailing
winds, strategically locating outside air intakes and using
high-efficiency and charcoal filters to capture particulate
contaminants, fumes and odors, the harmful effects of
pollution near airports can be significantly reduced.
Natural light and exterior views create a more pleasing
indoor environment. However, where security concerns
prevent the use of windows, such as Transportation
Security Administration (TSA) screening rooms,
Burns & McDonnell architects and engineers have
creatively met the challenge. Their use of translucent
walls allows light to pass, but prevents direct line of sight.
The result is an enhanced work environment that does not
compromise security.
Healthier Buildings, Healthier Balance Sheet
These are just a few of the benefits of the integrated
LEED design approach. High-efficiency HVAC and
lighting systems reduce energy use and save on operating
costs for the life of the facility. Careful material selection
helps ensure that contaminants like VOCs, formaldehydes
and other harmful chemicals are not introduced. The
balanced use of materials with high recycled content and
diversion of recyclable or reusable construction waste from
landfills is a cost-effective reflection of stewardship.
Building for the Future
LEED APs guide the integrated team from project
concept to completion. They ensure the use of proven
“green” concepts to create cost-effective, sustainable
buildings. As part of clients’ teams, Burns & McDonnell
applies green-building design techniques to create
energy-efficient and environmentally friendly facilities that
will serve the needs of several generations.
Energy Management with LEED
By Laura Thompson, P.E., and Ed Mardiat
How can air por ts trim operating costs, protect the
environment and provide better ser vice? There is a way
A Midwestern regional airport is taking management
of its energy and operating costs to a higher level.
Like many airports across the country, its facilities
were built in the 1940s and 1950s, when efficiency
considerations were not a factor. Additions over the
years considered comfort and efficiency in terms of
transportation, but didn’t include energy efficiency in
the design equation.
Advances in technology have created systems and
equipment that are able to provide optimal comfort and
operation — while achieving greater energy efficiency
than the systems currently installed.
These system improvements will enhance lighting, air
quality, heating, air conditioning and power supply to
the airport facilities — and optimize airport operations
and maintenance. Burns & McDonnell will provide
turnkey services to design, install and commission
the improvements.
As a result of these changes, Burns & McDonnell will
also provide a guarantee that the energy and operational
savings will entirely fund the improvements — and
produce an additional cash flow for the airport annually.
Burns & McDonnell is developing an energy management
program to upgrade much of the equipment and energyusing systems at this airport’s facilities, incorporating LEED
design components in the improvements. The program
will provide a strategic capital planning tool for future
maintenance and construction.
2005
(
Aviation Special Report
7