Sacramento’s New LEED-Seeking International Airport Opens For Business

Redevelopment of the outdated <a href="http://www.sacramento.aero/smf">Sacramento Airport</a> was finally completed at the beginning of October and flights began taking off from the new Terminal B starting on October 6th. Dubbed "The Big Build," the $1 billion project transforms California's state capital into a major international flight hub with the capacity to serve 16 million passengers each year. Aiming for LEED Silver certification, the project incorporates a series of passive design strategies along with three-story glass curtain walls, high performance lighting systems, and building automation to minimize energy use. The new Terminal B at <a href="http://www.sacramento.aero/smf/" target="_blank">Sacramento's International Airport</a> was designed by <a href="http://www.corgan.com/#/projects/aviation/smf" target="_blank">Corgan Associates, Inc.</a> in association with <a href="http://www.fentressarchitects.com/" target="_blank">Fentress Architects</a>.

Sacramento's nickname is the City of Trees and the design for the airport was directly inspired by the canopy affect of the tree-lined streets.

The terminal is a reinterpretation of those shady streets featuring tall structural posts and a canopy of beams that let filtered light stream in from above.

Three-story glass curtain walls with louvered shades further pull in natural daylighting without taking on too much solar heat.

The new Central Terminal B consists of a 425,000 sq. ft. landside terminal supported by a 315,000 sq. ft. airside concourse building, which are connected by an automated people mover (APM) system.

The $1.04 billion terminal redevelopment project replaces the outdated 1967 passenger terminal building and increases the traveler capacity.

With 19 gates, the aircourse has been designed to achieve LEED Silver certification and includes a number of strategies to minimize its impact.

Firstly low-e glazing, enhanced daylighting, solar shading and natural ventilation via stack effect all help to take advantage of free heat, cooling and lighting.

Then energy efficient lighting, building automation and high performance mechanical systems minimize energy use.

A number of recycled materials were used including structural steel and concrete, terrazzo flooring with high recycled content, reclaimed old-growth redwood as well as certified wood and low VOC content materials.

Former developed areas were reclaimed with native vegetation and water efficient irrigation minimizes potable water usage.

The new airport also features increased access to public transportation, enhanced building commissioning, green housekeeping, and a recycling program.

Former Sacramento County Executive Steven Szalay explains: “This project is beneficial for our regional economy now and into the future. The Big Build created approximately 2,400 new jobs and generated nearly $948m in wages for the Sacramento region. The project is a boon to the local economy while positioning Sacramento International Airport for future smart growth and job attraction.”

Terminal B features $6m of public artwork like this giant red hare jumping from one floor to the next into a suitcase.