HOW Green
IS YOUR AIRPORT? A
BY ROD SHUTTLEWORTH
while being responsible for two- thirds of that country’s energy consumption (and we all thought it was those mammoth SUVs they drive in Texas.) Large buildings, such as airports, present a unique opportunity to use the power of technology to mitigate the damage rather than aggravate it, and Kelowna International Airport is leading the field in reducing the carbon footprint of its buildings and operations.
s we humans continue to assess the impact we have on our planet, our buildings are coming under scrutiny. The American Institute of Architects has estimated that buildings contribute approximately 40% of all CO2
emissions in the U.S.,
Perhaps the simplest way of making a building “green” is to design-in features that reduce both energy consumption and greenhouse-gas emissions. From the outset of the design stage, YLW’s massive planned expansion has been guided by the principles of conservation and sustainability. Airport Director Sam Samaddar explains: “we want to ensure our greenhouse gas footprint is as low as it can be.” To that end, the airport engaged DIALOG, an integrated design company, to help achieve its goal of meeting Provincial CO2
reduction
targets as the facility expands. With features such as geothermal and
radiant-floor heating, enhanced use of natural daylight and ventilation systems which cool only the areas near the floor where the people are, DIALOG’s design options for YLW resulted in the company winning an Environmental Award from the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of British Columbia (APEGBC). Combined with the high-tech design features of the expansion, it is estimated that once all the building is finished, the completed YLW, while nearly double its
present size, will produce 60% less CO2 emissions.
But far from waiting for the new building to reduce its overall environmental impact, YLW has already implemented a plethora of projects to help reduce
both energy consumption and CO2 output in its existing buildings. As Airport Operations Manager James Hall puts it: “We want to reduce the environmental impact on our community”, and DIALOG has also been involved in assessing the current facilities and recommending changes and improvements to reduce the buildings’ environmental impact.
In line with the City of Kelowna’s goal to reduce pesticide use, YLW has begun using recycled asphalt regrinds along the miles of perimeter fence to reduce the need for pesticide application. Other operationally necessary chemicals have also been assessed and changes
made, for example to the runway de- icing chemicals. YLW switched from urea, a 100% nitrogen-based fertilizer product, which can have a negative effect on creek water and fish bearing stream. YLW began using sodium formate this winter, which is the most environmentally friendly product for this use and is also operationally more effective. For the same reason, YLW is working with its airline partners to reduce the impact of aircraft de-icing chemicals on the environment. The airport has also asked their technical and building services provider to utilize recycled and environmentally friendly products wherever possible, so even the janitorial products used to keep the terminal clean are going green.
flow-controlled faucets and toilets, while the landscaping in front of the terminal employs xeriscape principals to reduce irrigation (with the exception of one small patch of grass for the benefit of pets and service animals, because asking a dog to lift its leg on a cactus is just plain inhumane.)
Mindful of the Okanagan’s finite water supply, the airport has taken steps to reduce its H2
Energy consumption has been reduced by upgrading the existing facilities with occupancy-sensing light switches, so the lights go off if there’s nobody there, while spent light-bulbs are recycled rather than trashed. While we’re talking
O consumption by installing
4 | YLW CONNECTION
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