Recent airport designs are bigger and much more efficient, based on a look at recent projects in Mexico City, London, and China.
The Mexico City airport is expected to serve 50 million people a year with a design emphasizing energy efficiency. Gate locations will be spaced to make for easy walking, and the roof will include solar technology. There will also be an on-site energy plant that will collect, treat, and recycle rainwater.
Beijing Capital International Airport's Terminal 3 has a dragon-like design focused on efficiency, sustainability, and natural light. Skylights built into the soaring roof maximize morning sun. Connections between terminals take two minutes in a train that travels at 80 miles per hour, and the heating and cooling system is highly efficient.
London's Terminal 2 is the world's first BREEAM-certified airport project. It includes a number of features that reduce CO2 emissions, boost water efficiency, and a sophisticated lighting control system. The terminal is aiming to be recycling or composting 70% of its waste by 2020.
(http://money.cnn.com/2014/12/01/news/economy/future-airports/index.html)
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Jan 25, 2016
Dept. of Energy releases decision guides for plug and process loads
Plug and process loads consume about 30% of the primary energy in U.S. commercial buildings today.
Codes and Standards | Jan 22, 2016
ConsensusDocs releases new multi-party IPD agreement and joining agreement
The documents serve as a comprehensive revision of previous IPD agreement
Codes and Standards | Jan 22, 2016
State Savings Calculator analyzes savings associated with energy codes
The calculator breaks down the cost-effectiveness of energy codes on a state-by-state basis.
Codes and Standards | Jan 22, 2016
Metal Roofing Seaming Guide published by Metal Construction Association
The free document is specifically tailored for metal roof installation.
Codes and Standards | Jan 22, 2016
Treasury Dept. will start crackdown on illicit money in luxury real estate
The move is expected to impact high-end condo development.
Resiliency | Jan 13, 2016
LEED credits on resiliency expected to influence future of building design
Post-disaster survivability is a key goal.
Codes and Standards | Jan 12, 2016
Batteries are the next step in raising sustainability standards
Battery technology will reduce electricity costs and promote a more stable, flexible grid.
Codes and Standards | Jan 4, 2016
Denver broadens its use of design reviews as construction booms
Support strong, but some wary of giving more say to review boards.
Codes and Standards | Dec 23, 2015
International Code Council approves updates based on NIST study of Joplin, Mo. tornado
Applies to schools and other high occupancy buildings.
Codes and Standards | Dec 21, 2015
Changing building codes to protect against mass shootings at odds with other safety measures
Fire and other emergencies require getting people out quickly, not locking down sections.