Edmonton International Airport in Alberta has become the first Canadian airport to receive LEED Gold certification, awarded for its South Terminal expansion project completed in 2012.
Engineering firm Stantec incorporated several sustainable measures into the new building’s design, including rain water storage cisterns, solar water heating, sensor controlled general lighting, wooden structural components, displacement ventilation and a living wall.
In Canada, green building awards and LEED certification are granted by the Canada Green Building Council (CaGBC), a not-for-profit, national organization tasked with promoting green and sustainable building developments.
Thomas Mueller, president and CEO of the CaGBC, said, “Congratulations to Edmonton International Airport on certifying the terminal as LEED Gold. This certification represents a significant improvement in environmental performance along with a healthier indoor environment for staff and travelers. Arriving at one of the greenest terminals in Canada sets the right tone for both domestic and international travelers that the city of Edmonton is committed to sustainability. I hope to see more of Canada’s major transportation hubs following Edmonton’s lead.”
Steve Rumley, vice president, infrastructure, Edmonton International Airport, said, “We are very proud to have been certified and grateful to all the members of the team that helped us to achieve certification for our terminal expansion.
“Edmonton Airport has committed to being environmentally and socially responsible while meeting the region’s growing need for air service. In particular, energy conservation is one area in which we have focused by employing new technologies for lighting and heating the buildings as we expand.”
Stanis Smith, executive vice president, Stantec, said, “We are thrilled that our creative approach to the terminal building expansion with Edmonton Airport has resulted in the first LEED Gold airport terminal in Canada. The terminal goes beyond meeting the needs of passengers, and provides a healthy, stress reducing environment with lots of natural sunlight and unique features including the first major living wall in any airport terminal worldwide.”