The San Diego County Regional Airport Airport Authority (Airport Authority) manages the day-to-day operations of the San Diego International Airport (SAN) and addresses the region’s long-term air transportation needs. SAN is also the busiest single-run commercial airport in the United States. To lessen SAN’s greenhouse gas emissions impact on local climate change vulnerabilities from the airport’s operations (i.e. minimizing energy usage), the Airport Authority has integrated sustainability across its social, environmental, and economic functions. In their commitment to sustainability, the Airport Authority is using the New Terminal 1 (New T1) project and zero-net energy (ZNE) Airline Support Facilities (ASF) as an opportunity for the Airport Authority to raise the profile of local climate leadership with an international impact, as well as sustain economic development and environmental stewardship for the San Diego region. Along with pursuing ZNE buildings, SAN’s climate reporting and planning efforts showcase how sustainable design and data-driven project planning can uplift the economic value, environmental stewardship, and regional community impact SAN and the Airport Authority contribute.https://digital.sandiego.edu/npi-sdclimate/1023/thumbnail.jp

Berry, Darbi

Medina, Gabriella

English

University of San Diego

University of San Diego Digital USD San Diego Regional Climate Collaborative The Nonprofit Institute 2022 Revolutionizing the Integration of Sustainability & Zero Net Energy in the San Diego Region Gabriella Medina Darbi Berry Follow this and additional works at: https://digital.sandiego.edu/npi-sdclimate  Part of the Environmental Education Commons, Environmental Indicators and Impact Assessment Commons, and the Sustainability Commons The San Diego International Airport New T1 Project &Zero Net Energy Facilities  Zero Net Energy Energy Education & Resource Hub Revolutionizing the Integration of Sustainability &Zero Net Energy in the San Diego Region San Diego Regional Climate Collaborative Enabling Regional Leadership & Science-Based ActionAbstractThe San Diego County Regional Airport Airport Authority (Airport Authority) manages the day-to-dayoperations of the San Diego International Airport (SAN) and addresses the region’s long-term airtransportation needs. SAN is also the busiest single-run commercial airport in the United States. To lessenSAN’s greenhouse gas emissions impact on local climate change vulnerabilities from the airport’soperations (i.e. minimizing energy usage), the Airport Authority has integrated sustainability across itssocial, environmental, and economic functions. In their commitment to sustainability, the Airport Authority isusing the New Terminal 1 (New T1) project and zero-net energy (ZNE) Airline Support Facilities (ASF) as anopportunity for the Airport Authority to raise the profile of local climate leadership with an internationalimpact, as well as sustain economic development and environmental stewardship for the San Diego region.Along with pursuing ZNE buildings, SAN’s climate reporting and planning efforts showcase how sustainabledesign and data-driven project planning can uplift the economic value, environmental stewardship, andregional community impact SAN and the Airport Authority contribute. Climate Action & the San Diego International Airport The San Diego County Regional Airport Airport (Airport Authority) was established in 2003 as an independentagency to manage the day-to-day operations of the San Diego International Airport (SAN) and address theregion’s long-term air transportation needs. As an agency that serves the entire San Diego region andnational and international customers, the Airport Authority is committed to implementing sustainability intoeveryday operations. Driven by this commitment, the Airport Authority has completed industry-leadingprojects, such as the construction of the world’s first Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)Platinum-certified airport terminal (Terminal 2 West Expansion “Green Build"), and has developed innovativeand effective greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction programs that were recognized by the Airports CouncilInternational's Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) program.¹ The Airport Authority is now using the NewTerminal 1 (New T1) project and the modernization of SAN Airline Support Facilities (ASF) as an opportunityto raise the profile of local climate leadership with an international impact, as well as sustain economicdevelopment and environmental stewardship for the San Diego region. The Airport Authority has alsointegrated sustainability, informed by the best available climate science and data, into seven core planswithin the detailed Sustainability Management Program (SMP). The plans related to air quality and GHGreductions include the Strategic Energy Plan (STEP), Clean Transportation Plan (CTP), Carbon NeutralityPlan (CNP), and Climate Resilience Plan (CRP).https://www.san.org/Portals/0/Documents/Environmental/2020_SAN_SMP_Summary.pdf?ver=2020-09-04-095753-707SMP Core ElementsThe Airport Authority'sStrategic Energy Plan https://www.san.org/Portals/0/Documents/Environmental/2020_SAN_SMP_Summary.pdf?ver=2020-09-04-095753-707This graphic represents the five core elements ofthe Airport Authority's Strategic Energy Plan: Prioritizing Sustainabilityin Daily Operations Each of the SMP core plans highlights variousinitiatives that provide a pathway to reaching net-zero emissions. Net-zero emissions indicatereaching a balance between GHG emissionsintroduced to the atmosphere and emissionsremoved. The Airport Authority is working inalignment with IPCC's 2018 Summary forPolicymakers and Airports Council International,an industry organization, to reach net zero-emission goals by 2050.² The Airport Authority willcontinue using its SMP and core value ofsustainability to implement holistic projects andpractices that support the multiple benefits ofeconomic growth, social welfare, andenvironmental stewardship for the San Diegoregion.The goal of the New T1 project is to integratesustainability into the modernization of theterminal’s operations and building functions inorder to better serve passengers and employees.This effort will provide the San Diego region andSAN’s occupants with a high-performing campusthat is resilient in the face of climate change-induced vulnerabilities. The Airport Authority setaggressive Energy Use Intensity (EUI) targets (perpassenger/per square foot) to look at thefunctionality and redesign of the New T1 through aholistic lens. EUI is an indicator of the energyefficiency of a building’s design and/or operations.³These EUI targets focused on the New T1’sbagging system, cooking outlets, water heating,and more energy-intensive systems to ensuremaximum energy efficiency benefits are obtained. This data-driven approach is being used by theAirport Authority to redevelop a terminal that willreduce SAN’s overall GHG emission output andimprove climate-smart energy use practices.Construction on the New T1 began in 2021 and thefirst phase of the New T1 will be completed in2025.⁴ When the New T1 is complete, it willadvance the Airport Authority’s SMP plans: CTP,CRP, CNP, and STEP while also providingpassengers and SAN campus occupants a betterexperience.Advancing Zero NetEnergy (ZNE) & the SMP Zero net emission goals are made feasible toachieve with the design, development, andconstruction of zero net energy (ZNE) buildings. AZNE building is an energy-efficient building where,on a source energy basis, the annual consumedenergy is less than or equal to the onsiterenewable energy generated. As stated inCalifornia’s Energy Efficiency Strategic Plan, allnew commercial construction will be ZNE by2030.The California Strategic Plan also states that 50%of commercial buildings will be retrofitted to ZNEby 2030.⁵ With these goals in place, policies andpractices have been identified to promotepotential pathways for onsite clean powergeneration. The Airport Authority is supportingCalifornia’s statewide efforts to reach theseambitious ZNE targets for the built environment.As part of this effort, SAN has committed four ASFstructures to be designed to achieve ZNEcertifications and run on 100% renewableelectricity, rather than natural gas.⁶ SAN's fourASF updates are also designed to consume lessenergy than the renewable energy generatedonsite - significantly reducing carbon emissionoutputs. The Airport Authority’s decision tomodernize available facilities as ZNE buildingsclosely ties back to the agency’s guiding principlewith climate action projects: the SMP.⁷ The New T1 construction and design, along withZNE ASF structures, reflects the Airport Authority'sindustry-leading commitment to innovation andsustainability through energy and waterconservation, as well as clean-air and zero-wasteinitiatives. The Airport Authority has a formal policyto achieve at least LEED Silver certification forrelevant new construction projects, including theNew T1. LEED certifications do not just focus onthe environmental benefit of a building, but alsofocus on the human health impacts, greeneconomic value, water resource conservation,biodiversity impact, natural resource use, andcommunity impact of a building.⁸ ZNE buildingsprovide tangible results to climate changevulnerabilities through holistic building designprinciples that put people and the environment asits beneficiaries.https://www.san.org/Portals/0/Documents/Environmental/2020_SAN_SMP_Summary.pdf?ver=2020-09-04-095753-707This table summarizesthe five goals of theAirport Authority'sStrategic Energy Plan Implementing SMP Goalsinto Current Projects The New T1’s Integrated Approach to Sustainability01Electric Vehicle Charging: Modern sustainability strategies are being implemented inthe New T1’s parking plaza as 10% of the future lot will be dedicated to electric vehicle(EV) charging. SAN has been working to provide the EV infrastructure necessary tosupport the increased EV charging capacity. Achieving and reaching these EV charginggoals is a priority of the New T1 project.Electric Shuttle Transportation:  SAN’s electric shuttle service has been incrediblysuccessful. Currently, an electric shuttle goes from Old Town Transit Center to SAN.This electric shuttle offers passengers a carbon-neutral transportation option to SAN aswell as supports SAN’s larger zero net emissions efforts.Improving Energy Use Intensity: The Airport Authority is currently evaluating differentenergy loads to tweak and optimize SAN's Energy Use Intensity (EUI) targets. EUI is anindicator of the energy efficiency of a building’s design and/or operations.⁹ The metricexpressed in the New T1 project is relative per passenger or per square foot. Energy Resilience: The Airport Authority is focused on the New T1 project’sconstruction design to ensure there is redundancy in grid-delivered electricity (that is100% renewable and carbon-free). Solar Photovoltaic Installation: The Airport Authority is also working to increase thevolume of photovoltaic (PV) solar battery storage as the load demand grows. There is anopportunity to lock in electricity rates and promote cost containment with a long-termsolar power purchase agreement (PPA), typically lasting 10-25 years.¹⁰ Using solar topower SAN can shave peaks off of its electricity demand while avoiding pulling electricityoff the grid. The Airport Authority is also focused on ensuring enough battery storage isavailable for this renewable energy generation. Zero Net Energy: The Airport Authority has planned for four of SAN's ASF structures tobe ZNE buildings. These buildings are designed to not use natural gas and to bepowered on 100% renewable electricity - a way to pursue a ZNE certification.¹¹ Growing the Region’s Economy: SAN’s current economic output for the region is 12billion dollars annually.¹² 020304050607Advice & Lessons Learned Data Collection - It is necessary to obtain current energy savings data toidentify effective pathways to meet projected carbon savings. Using dataas the guiding metric for carbon reduction is crucial when designing a zero-net energy building. Implementation - Implementation is challenging, but possible whensustainability goals are made with adaptation measures to be flexible forchanging variables - such as economic trends and evolving environmentalstandards. Maintaining Project Goals - The Airport Authority learned the importanceof reiterating and enforcing redundancy to support the guiding project goal:climate-smart practices that align with SAN’s SMP. The New T1 project and campus energy performance updates will have a direct impact on SAN’s economicoutput, environmental impact, and customer experience. Throughout the process of deeply embeddingsustainability, the project illuminated key lessons for the Airport Authority. These lessons include:  Collaboration - Collaboration with other commercial airports that havedone best practices in this space is important. It is also important tocollaborate on a regional level with organizations that have done relativeprojects and can also share best practices. Participation with the San DiegoRegional Climate Collaborative’s Sea Level Rise Working Group andAdaptation Policy Working Group supported the Airport Authority in the NewT1 project scope by better understanding regional climate action prioritiesthrough these group dialogues. As more agencies undergo an energyefficiency transition, there is a need for the scope of collaboration to evolveand become more inclusive of regional conversations. 03020104Future Climate Action & Resilience Measures for SAN One path to help diversify SAN's power supply and maintain energy load efficiency is through the localCommunity Choice Aggregation (CCA) program. CCAs give residents and businesses an opportunity tochoose who will purchase energy on their behalf, an example being either the CCA or a private utilitycompany. A larger factor in this decision for many when approaching climate action goals is the renewableenergy content of their electricity portfolio. The Airport Authority has committed to be a Power100 Championof San Diego Community Power (SDCP). This means that the electricity SDCP delivers to the AirportAuthority and SAN is 100% renewable energy. SDCP is a locally run, nonprofit public agency that is anelectric generation service provider. SDCP purchases renewable power, like solar and wind, and feeds it intothe electricity grid, working with SDG&E to deliver it to its member cities.¹⁴ The benefits of this 100% carbon-free electricity will support the Airport Authority's ZNE targets, broaden climate goals to elevate regional andstatewide energy resilience, and zero out carbon intensity for energy load supply.The Airport Authority will continue to uphold its industry-leading commitment to sustainability and supportcreating a resilient San Diego region. The Airport Authority has developed a best practice approach toclimate action in the industry through its Climate Resilience Plan (CRP). The CRP provides an organizedframework for enhancing business continuity as climate impacts progress by adapting existing infrastructureand practices while incorporating future climate conditions into future projects using climate science.¹⁵ TheAirport Authority maintains leadership in regional climate action as it serves on the Advisory Board of theSan Diego Regional Climate Collaborative (Climate Collaborative). The Climate Collaborative is dedicated toconnecting the San Diego region to advance comprehensive solutions to reduce GHG and prepare for localclimate change impacts. The Airport Authority has participated in several of the Climate Collaborative’sworking groups and studies, including those focused on economic vulnerability to sea-level rise andstormwater infrastructure.¹⁶ Looking toward the future, the Airport Authority has developed science-basedtargets and metrics, to represent where SAN will be in the next 15 to 20 years, supporting resilience asclimate change progresses. The New T1 project and SAN’s larger energy efficiency efforts present anopportunity for the Airport Authority to raise the profile of local climateleadership with an international impact, as well as sustain economicdevelopment and environmental stewardship for the San Diego region. San Diego International Airport Sustainability Management ProgramNew T1 Website San Diego County Regional Airport Authority A New Option to Get to the Airport from Old Town Transit Center SAN Stormwater Management Raises the Bar on SustainabilityEnvisioning the Future at SANResources:Cost-Relevant blog posts:Resources & Relevant Blog Posts: Sources1. San Diego County Regional Airport Authority. About the Authority. https://www.san.org/Airport-Authority/About-the-Authority2. San Diego County Regional Airport Authority. Sustainability Management Program. (2020).https://www.san.org/Portals/0/Documents/Environmental/2020_SAN_SMP_Summary.pdf?ver=2020-09-04-095753-7073.  Energy Star. What is Energy Use Intensity (EUI)?.https://www.energystar.gov/buildings/benchmark/understand_metrics/what_eui4. San Diego International Airport. Wheels Up: New T1 is Under Construction. (2022). https://www.newt1.com 5. San Diego Regional Climate Collaborative. Energy Education Hub. (2022). https://arcg.is/18H1zH06. Commonwealth of Massachusetts. What is a Zero Net Energy Building?. (2022). https://www.mass.gov/service-details/what-is-a-zero-net-energy-building 8. United States Green Building Council. LEED Rating System. https://www.usgbc.org/leed 9. Energy Star. What is Energy Use Intensity (EUI)?.https://www.energystar.gov/buildings/benchmark/understand_metrics/what_eui 10. Solar Energy Industries Association/ Solar Power Purchase Agreements. (2022). https://www.seia.org/research-resources/solar-power-purchase-agreements 7. San Diego County Regional Airport Authority. Sustainability Management Program. (2020).https://www.san.org/Portals/0/Documents/Environmental/2020_SAN_SMP_Summary.pdf?ver=2020-09-04-095753-70711. New Buildings Institute. Getting to Zero. (2022). https://newbuildings.org/hubs/zero-energy/ 12. San Diego International Airport. San Diego International Airport Contributes Nearly $12 billion to Regional Economy.(2018). https://www.san.org/news/san-diego-international-airport-contributes-nearly-12-billion-to-regional-economy 13. San Diego County Regional Airport Authority. Sustainability Management Program. (2020).https://www.san.org/Portals/0/Documents/Environmental/2020_SAN_SMP_Summary.pdf?ver=2020-09-04-095753-70714. San Diego Community Power. How It Works. (2020). https://sdcommunitypower.org16. San Diego County Regional Airport Authority. Climate Resilience Plan.(2020).https://www.san.org/Portals/0/Documents/Environmental/2020-Plans/2020_Climate-Resilience-Plan-min.pdf 15. San Diego County Regional Airport Authority. Climate Resilience Plan.(2020).https://www.san.org/Portals/0/Documents/Environmental/2020-Plans/2020_Climate-Resilience-Plan-min.pdf 

Revolutionizing the Integration of Sustainability & Zero Net Energy in the San Diego Region

https://digital.sandiego.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1023&context=npi-sdclimate

Revolutionizing the Integration of Sustainability & Zero Net Energy in the San Diego Region

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