The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey announced that Terminal 4 at John F. Kennedy International Airport was awarded the Platinum certification for Leadership in Energy and Environment Design (LEED) for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance by the U.S. Green Building Council (USBGC).
LEED
Developed by USGBC, LEED is the world’s most widely used green building rating system and is recognized as a symbol of excellence worldwide. JFK’s Terminal 4 was able to obtain this certification with the assistance of CodeGreen, which consulted with T4 on energy and sustainability during the certification process.
“As operators of the largest air terminal at JFK Airport, sustainability has always been a core component of JFKIAT’s mission, and we are committed to reducing our carbon footprint across operations. Receiving LEED Platinum certification for Terminal 4 is a tremendous achievement and demonstrates how JFKIAT is truly a pioneer in sustainability. We are proud of our team’s incredible work to innovate our operations to achieve this important milestone, and we look forward to expanding our initiatives to prioritize sustainability and provide the healthiest environment for our customers, employees, and business partners.” – Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole
Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton added,
“Achieving LEED Platinum status at Terminal 4 at JFK Airport underscores our commitment to live up to ever higher sustainability goals as we move forward to completely transform the airport into a world-class facility fit for the 21st century. In 2021, the Port Authority’s Board of Commissioners adopted the goal of achieving net zero emissions agency-wide by 2050. Terminal 4’s achievement of LEED Platinum is an important step toward reaching that goal.”
JFKT4 sustainability awards
The LEED platinum award is not the first recognition that JFK’s Terminal 4 has received. In 2017, T4 was awarded the LEED Gold Certification by the USGBC for operations and maintenance, the first given to an existing airport terminal in the United States. Terminal 4 is the first terminal in the United States to receive Platinum recognition. “The Terminal’s expansive Retail Lounge offers an unparalleled experience for travelers with a wide range of food and beverage and retail options, from chic to upscale and from convenience stores to electronics, accessories, and gifts.”
Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton said,
“Congratulations to Terminal 4 operator JFKIAT for successfully earning LEED Platinum certification, in keeping with the Port Authority’s commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. As we redevelop each of our region’s airports into world-class facilities, we should be no less ambitious in our drive to build sustainable facilities than we are to building those that deliver a truly inspiring customer experience. Once again, we are setting an important precedent for other airports around the country to follow.”
JFKIAT is investing heavily in its extensive sustainability program, concentrating on greenhouse gas emission reduction, energy efficiency, indoor air quality, biodiversity, water conservation, and sustainable transportation. These investments are being made with the Port Authority’s goal of reaching net-zero emissions agency-wide by 2050.
Source: simpleflying.com
