Istanbul Airport has become the largest building to achieve LEED Gold certification from the US Green Building Council (USGBC).
LEED Certification evaluates buildings under various categories such as sustainable land, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources, indoor environmental quality, innovation in design and regional priority credits.
The airport was recognized for low water consumption, high energy efficiency, and for its heating, cooling and ventilation and lighting systems.
Low waste was noted from when construction of the airport started, with most waste generated during the work sent for recycling or reuse.
The air handling system was designed to improve air quality and indoor building chemicals were selected in line with international human health limits.
Mahesh Ramanujam, president of USGBC, said, “Istanbul Airport, as the largest LEED Gold-certified building worldwide, is a manifestation of the fact that, no matter the size or unique aspects of a project, all projects can be a healthy, sustainable and high-performance place if designed in the right way.”
Kadri Samsunlu, CEO and director general of the airport’s operating company, IGA Airport Operation, said, “We are so proud to have succeeded in putting sustainability to the forefront in all steps we take, so that we, the world, the future, the environment can reach a sustainable level of self-sufficiency.”