Terminal 4 at John F Kennedy International Airport has been recertified at the Platinum level under the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance rating system.
The certification was awarded by the US Green Building Council and recognizes sustainability and operational practices implemented by JFKIAT, the operator of the terminal.
According to JFKIAT, the recertification reflects environmental initiatives introduced as part of the ongoing US$1.5bn transformation of Terminal 4. The operator said sustainability has been integrated into operational practices, including measures targeting energy efficiency, emissions reduction, water conservation and waste management.
“Earning LEED Platinum certification for the second time is a significant milestone for T4 and a reflection of JFKIAT’s enduring commitment to sustainability, and an important part of how we operate as a company,” said Roel Huinink, CEO of JFKIAT.
“As we continue to transform T4 into a world-class gateway, we are focused on empowering employees to innovate green solutions, fostering a workplace culture where environmental stewardship is a source of shared pride and purpose.”
Recent initiatives at Terminal 4 include investments in renewable energy certificates to reduce carbon emissions, the deployment of electric buses and the installation of 58 electric ground support equipment charging stations to support a fleet of more than 700 vehicles.
JFKIAT also reported purchasing 1,979 gallons of sustainable aviation fuel in collaboration with Delta Air Lines to offset corporate air travel in 2024, bringing the total volume of sustainable aviation fuel it has invested in to date to 15,715 gallons.
Water conservation measures have also been introduced, including two rainwater harvesting systems installed in Concourses A and B. The Concourse A system captures more than 30,000 gallons of water annually for restroom use, while the Concourse B system is used for ramp-side roadway cleaning.
Teresa Rizzuto, general manager of JFK Airport, said the certification supports wider sustainability goals for the airport.
“Congratulations to Terminal 4 operator JFKIAT for successfully attaining LEED Platinum recertification, underscoring the Port Authority’s commitment to sustainability goals as we move forward with the US$19bn transformation of JFK into a world-class global gateway,” she said.
“In 2021, the Port Authority’s Board of Commissioners adopted the goal of achieving net-zero emissions agency-wide by 2050. Terminal 4’s recertification of LEED Platinum is an important step toward reaching that goal.”
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