At RDU, we’re committed to delivering a world-class airport experience. This commitment extends to the facilities we build. That’s why we are thrilled Terminal 1 has been LEED Certified by the U.S. Green Building Council.

Built in 1982, Terminal 1 was famous for many years as the big blue box. It was RDU’s primary terminal for nearly three decades. Millions of passengers traversed the old Terminal 1 each year. 

When we decided to modernize Terminal 1, we did so with a world-class vision in mind. The project became a complete renovation of the original structure. In fact, only the steel skeleton and concrete floors remained. It’s almost entirely a new building from the ground up. But as we rebuilt it, we kept two things in mind: the passenger experience and sustainable building practices.

Thousands have traveled through Terminal 1 since its opening in April. In this time we have heard  lots of positive comments on the open spaces, great food and retail options and ease of navigating the building.

One thing you may not be aware of is that from the beginning we were committed to building a sustainable and efficient facility.

Early on in our conversations about improving Terminal 1, we tasked the architects and construction firms to plan Terminal 1 to LEED criteria. We wanted to include strategies and solutions in the renovation of Terminal 1 that would lead to sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, material selection and indoor environmental quality.

The next time you are in Terminal 1, see if you can spot any of the sustainable components. We used low-emitting paints and coatings and implemented water use reduction tactics. Things you won’t see is the high volume of material recycled during the renovation and the use of highly-reflective roofing materials.

We’re excited to have Terminal 1 LEED Certified. The designation reflects a commitment to world-class excellence that you should experience each time you visit RDU.