Queen Beatrix International Airport (Aua Airport) is the first airport terminal in the Caribbean that has reached the respected Leed Gold Certification.
The airport secured the sustainable certification for its Gateway 2030 phase 1a expansion project, which corresponds to an expansion of its passenger terminals of more than 14,000 m2 in the USA and contains a check-in hall, a luggage hall and the airline's offices to improve capacity.
Nacac, Netherlands Airport Consultants, was used by the Aruba Airport Authority NV to provide sustainable design, engineering and LEED certification services and advice in order to further integrate innovative and sustainable design principles in order to meet AAAS ambition, reach Leed Gold standards.
The leadership in energy and environmental design certification (or in the LEED) is a respected recognition, which means that a construction project has a comprehensive commitment to sustainable design, construction and operation.
Innovative measures were installed to create a really sustainable project. Among them was minimized the energy requirement by including a highly energy -efficient mechanical system, an energy -efficient luggage handling system, solar heat protection and solar panels.
In addition, the use of recycled building materials and to facilitate waste management means that the design contributes to a circular economic approach. The building also uses condensation from the mechanical system to water the landscape design of the airport.
The result is proof of the commitment and cooperation of the entire AAAS team and the entire team with highlights, including:
- Energy efficiency: 48% less energy requirement compared to the existing terminal building, 5% of renewable energies being produced on site.
- Water protection: 24% less water requirement and no drinking water that is used for irrigation.
- Waste management: Over 57% of the construction waste generated were redirected by landfills.
- Materials: Use of recycled content and natural materials to improve air quality and environmental output indoors.
- Transport: offers alternative burning stations (EV chargers) for 5.35% of the total parking capacity and with low emitting vehicles
- Alternative energy: solar collectors and green electricity shopping.
- Environmental quality indoors: Child-controlled ventilation, LED lighting and low VOC materials for a healthy inner climate
Talk about performance;
Esther Kromhout, Managing Director at Naco, said:
We are incredibly proud to have been part of this project alongside AAA and our project partners. No other building in the Caribbean can claim Leed Gold Certification – which makes this a really important performance in the future of a sustainable environment in the Caribbean.
Angeline Flemming, director of health and sustainability, said:
This historical performance was made possible by the commitment and commitment of the entire company and shows the commitment of AAA for sustainability through the preparation and implementation of projects in a responsible way. AAA is aware of its responsibility for the most sustainable way that maintenance and construction of facilities at the airport belong to the maintenance and construction of facilities.
Gilbert Rafael, Chief Development & Technology, said:
Designing and creating facilities based on Leed principles gives our team clear guidelines for efficiency and sustainability principles in our projects at an early stage. As a company, we endeavor to lower our electricity and water consumption and to build positive results according to these principles.
The performance is now paving the way for a more sustainable future for Aruba Airport, which is expanded with the LEED certification of subsequent projects in the current expansion projects of the Gateway 2030.
This article was originally published by Naco.