New PIT Terminal Earns LEED Gold Honors, Validates Sustainability, Operational Efficiency Goals

Pittsburgh International Airport’s new terminal notched another top honor this month – this time underscoring its commitment to resiliency, sustainability and operational efficiency.

The U.S. Green Building Council announced that the new terminal and Customer Service Building have earned LEED Gold certification. The airport also announced that its new Terminal Garage has also received Parksmart Gold Certification.

The Gold designations position PIT among a select group of airports whose major infrastructure projects meet rigorous standards for sustainable design, construction, and operation. Energy- and water-efficient systems, smart building controls and sustainable design features reduce operating and maintenance costs.

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification is the world’s most widely recognized green building rating system. Achieving LEED Gold reflects the airport’s dedication to designing and constructing facilities that reduce environmental impact, improve efficiency, conserve resources, and create healthier spaces for travelers, staff and airline partners.

“PIT pursued Gold certification for all three projects because the facilities were already being designed as modern, energy-efficient buildings with many of the features required for certification,” said Chad Willis, Allegheny County Airport Authority’s Vice President of Planning, Environmental and Sustainability. “Since those sustainable design elements were part of the base design, it made sense to pursue LEED and Parksmart Gold and formally recognize the projects’ performance.”

The certification recognizes the airport’s implementation of sustainable building practices and advanced technologies throughout the new facilities. Key features include energy-efficient systems, responsible and locally sourced material selection, water conservation measures, enhanced indoor air quality features and sustainable waste management.

An aerial view of the new PIT terminal and the Terminal Garage. The new terminal and Customer Service Building have earned LEED Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council while the Terminal Garage has also received Parksmart Gold Certification. (Courtesy of Steel City Drones)

Parksmart Gold certification recognizes the Terminal Garage for its innovative approach to parking, sustainability and the overall traveler experience. Administered by Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI), Parksmart evaluates parking facilities on strategies that reduce environmental impact, improve efficiency and enhance the experience for drivers and the surrounding community.

The Terminal Garage was designed with convenience in mind as part of PIT’s new terminal. Features that contributed to the certification include technology and design elements intended to make parking easier and more efficient for travelers, energy-efficient lighting and electric vehicle charging infrastructure. (Additionally, passengers who pre-book their parking online save money on daily rates.)

“Pittsburgh International Airport’s attainment of LEED and Parksmart certifications highlight its leadership in green building and creating healthier, more efficient spaces. Parksmart provides a robust framework that elevates the management and operations of parking structures, enhancing the LEED framework for high-performance buildings,” said Rhiannon Jacobsen, managing director for U.S. market transformation and development, USGBC. “Together, both certifications underscore the airport’s commitment to sustainable transportation infrastructure.”

The new terminal also incorporated NaTeCo (Nature, Technology and Community) design philosophy in ways that complement the principles behind its LEED Gold certification.

By drawing inspiration from the region’s natural landscape, incorporating abundant natural light, using sustainable materials and creating healthier, more connected spaces, NaTeCo supports the terminal’s focus on environmental responsibility and occupant well-being, to create a more efficient, resilient and welcoming airport for passengers, employees and the community.

PIT has earned national recognition for its sustainability and resiliency initiatives, including its industry leading microgrid that became operational in 2021. PIT’s microgrid is the first in the world to completely power a major airport using natural gas and solar energy and has made the airport among the most site-hardened.

And last month, the airport opened the first of its four outdoor terraces as part of the new terminal project. Made possible by UPMC and the Richard King Mellon Foundation, the 36,000 square-foot UPMC Terrace features a walkway, seating and landscaping inspired by western Pennsylvania’s natural beauty. Visitors can access the terrace on the Arrivals Level. Captured rainwater from the terminal roof provides water for the terraces.

“As we continue transforming the airport experience, sustainability and resiliency remain at the core of our decision-making,” Willis said. “This certification validates the hard work of our project teams, partners, and stakeholders who helped make these facilities both innovative and environmentally responsible.”