The Chattanooga Airport’s new 9,000-square-foot FBO facility, managed by Wilson Air Center, was recently awarded platinum certification from the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) green building certification program.
According to officials at Wilson Air Center, the FBO is the only aviation terminal in the world to receive platinum certification, representing the highest possible level of energy and environmental performance.
“With the city of Chattanooga actively engaged on a worldwide stage, it is more important than ever that the community provide business leaders and visitors a strong first and last impression,” said Bob Wilson, founder of Wilson Air Center.
The LEED-certified FBO campus was designed by Allen & Hoshall, with John Naylor leading project management for the airport. LEED certification is an internationally recognized green building certification system that provides building owners and operators a standard for designing and constructing the world’s greenest, most energy efficient and high-performing facilities.
LEED certification of the FBO terminal was based on a number of green design and construction features that positively impact the community, including:
- Over 3,000 solar panels were installed just south of the terminal, generating more than one megawatt of clean power every year.
- 95% of all construction waste was recycled.
- Furniture throughout the facility was sourced from regional providers, limiting the pollution required to transport the materials.
- Alternative transportation is encouraged and easily accessible for both employees and clients, with direct access to CARTA, bike storage and changing rooms, and reserved parking for low emissions and fuel efficient vehicles.
- Landscaping throughout the campus is comprised of indigenous plants requiring very little water for hydration.
The airport received a Voluntary Airport Low Emissions grant through the FAA, which assisted in the development of the one megawatt solar farm. The FAA’s acting administrator was on hand for the dedication event.
“This solar farm and the LEED-certified FBO are examples of how to build America’s infrastructure so that it’s sustainable for years to come,” said FAA Acting Administrator Michael Huerta. “They are innovative, clean energy projects that create jobs and that use American know-how to improve our economy.”
The FBO terminal is not the only building that received LEED certification. The 12,000 square foot aircraft hangar which is co-located on the West Side Aviation Campus was certified by U.S. Green Building Council as a LEED Gold facility. The hangar also contains numerous sustainable features, including:
- All steel beams in the structure and the sheeting contain recycled materials
- 95% of all construction waste was recycled
- Contains a high energy efficiency infrared system
- Unique day lighting structure with windows in the hangar facility
“The Chattanooga Airport’s LEED certification of the new FBO campus demonstrates tremendous leadership in the sustainability movement,” said Rick Fedrizzi, President, CEO & Founding Chair, U.S. Green Building Council. “These new FBO facilities efficiently use our natural resources and make an immediate, positive impact on our planet and this community, which will benefit future generations.”
Wilson Air Center has locations in Memphis, Charlotte, Houston, and Chattanooga.
People who read this article also read articles on airparks, airshow, airshows, avgas, aviation fuel, aviation news, aircraft owner, avionics, buy a plane, FAA, fly-in, flying, general aviation, learn to fly, pilots, Light-Sport Aircraft, LSA, and Sport Pilot.
