Sustainable Construction

The Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority is committed to delivering a world-class airport experience in a sustainable manner by considering long-term environmental, economic, social and operational impacts in decision-making processes. This is particularly important when planning and constructing projects within the Vision 2040 capital program.

Each construction project will include sustainability elements that may include reusing or recycling materials to minimize and control landfill waste, choosing and installing energy-efficient infrastructure or equipment to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, or selecting building materials that aim to lower maintenance needs and improve cost efficiency.

Multiple sustainability frameworks or performance rating systems are available to track and recognize sustainable practices during construction. Two of these frameworks are Envision and LEED.

Envision

Envision is a framework that provides direction in the planning, design and construction of sustainable and resilient civil infrastructure. The criteria and performance objectives available within the Envision framework promote sustainable choices throughout a project’s lifecycle, including in the operations and maintenance of the infrastructure. The framework consists of 64 credits that are organized into five categories: quality of life, leadership, resource allocation, natural world, and climate and resilience.

The Park Economy 3 Expansion Project and Replacement of Runway 5L-23R will be the first two construction projects at RDU to pursue Envision verification.

LEED

LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is a globally recognized green building rating system that signifies achievement and leadership in sustainability. LEED certification provides a framework for healthy, highly efficient and cost-saving buildings: projects seeking LEED Certification undergo an evaluation process by the Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI) that addresses carbon, energy, waste, transportation, materials, health and indoor environmental quality. 

Terminal 1 was awarded LEED certification in 2014.  Sustainable strategies implemented in the renovation of Terminal 1 include the use of low-emitting paints and coatings, the recycling of construction debris, the use of roofing materials with a high solar reflectance index, and water use reduction tactics, among others.

Projects Pursuing Sustainable Construction Rating

Park Economy 3 Expansion Project

The Airport Authority is pursuing Envision verification for the Park Economy 3 Expansion Project. The project will add approximately 8,700 additional spaces to the existing Park Economy 3 surface lot.

As part of the Envision process, the Authority will post construction updates and seek public comment specific to the sustainable elements of the project through the portal below throughout the construction process. Customers can find signs posted in PE3 bus shelters that provide information on how to comment on this project.

Park Economy 3 Progress Update

Construction continues with earthwork activities, stormwater infrastructure installation, and utility installation. Water and sanitary sewer utilities are nearly complete and primary electric and communication utilities are being installed. The Board formally approved moving forward with the addition of solar panels in the lot to be located on top of the proposed covered walkways. The power generated from this solar array will largely offset the energy consumed in the lot once operational and further reduce the energy footprint of the lot. The design team is working to incorporate the panels currently. Blasting activities for earthwork are ongoing and are being strategically planned to minimize further processing and the need for additional hauling efforts.

Estimated total project completion is 13%

The RDUAA Board has approved the next phase of the PE-3 Expansion program which is getting underway now. This phase will consist of the earthwork and grading associated with the expansion areas, construction and paving of the new lot areas, and construction of the submerged gravel wetlands that will be used for stormwater management. The site currently has been cleared and prepped for the earthwork operations to begin and is currently stabilized with grass. Flocculants have also been implemented to further reduce the chance or sediment runoff and will be used throughout the project duration. No major impacts to lot operations are anticipated at this time.  

Estimated total project completion is 10%

Erosion and sedimentation control devices have been installed around the perimeter of the project along with tree protection fencing in select areas to identify project boundaries. Clearing and grubbing efforts have concluded. The site is being mulched and prepared for earthwork operations to begin. All trees removed from the site have been diverted from landfills and are being used for future wood and paper products. Mulch from the site is also being diverted from landfills to be used as other products or donated. No impacts to lot operations are expected at this time.

Estimated total project completion is 8%.

Runway 5L/23R Replacement

The Project will relocate and extend the existing Runway 5L/23R and, after construction is complete, demolish the existing Runway 5L/23R. There will also be full length parallel taxiway replacement and connector taxiway improvements.

Erosion and sedimentation control device installation is ongoing along the perimeter of the project work area. After each major rain event, the erosion and sedimentation control devices are inspected and maintained to ensure that downstream waters are protected per state requirements.  Four Airport Authority owned buildings in the vicinity of the Lumley Road/Commerce Boulevard intersection have been demolished to facilitate the Runway Program.

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The form below allows community members to provide feedback on the construction process of selected airport projects.