It’s not surprising these days to hear of buildings drawing their power from photovoltaics, but for some reason I still get a kick (or perhaps some hope) everytime something new embraces renewable energy.
Take for instance the new $17 million “Hangar 25″ operated by charter flight operator Avjet at the Bob Hope airport in California. The structure has rooftop solar panels that can provide enough electricity for lights, forklifts and tow vehicles. At over 60,000 sq. ft., the structure has been given LEED Platinum status.
Obviously, the $3 million dollar solar system (1,530 solar panels) isn’t the only feature making this Hangar green. The building also features sustainable landscaping that includes a synlawn (synthetic grass), electric tow vehicles, a chemical-free fire system, bamboo furniture, low-flow plumbing, and plenty of natural lighting. Los Angles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa hailed the project as “the greenest aviation facility in the world.”
Love it. Here’s to open more “green” hangars start springing up around the country.
7 Comments
Maybe I’m missing something, but how is using synthetic grass a green feature?
I think the “green” idea behind synthetic grass is that the consumer doesn’t spend valuable water resources attempting to keep the grass alive–especially in climates like Arizona or Nevada. It would be interesting to compare the carbon foot-prints/global impact of synthetic gas production vs. maintaining real grass.
I’m sure it’s for water conservation because it rarely rains in Orange County, California where this airport is located. Thanks for this encouraging news!
Oh, I was thinking of John Wayne Airport in Irvine. Bob Hope Airport is in Burbank– my bad! But it doesn’t get much rain there either.
how can i get design help for a similar
hanger in Charlotte (CLT)
hi,
If I am not wrong then they can also use Air for producing electricity. Are they using it? Because in a bigger landscape air flow is good. Are they using that resource too??
But nice article. Thanks for the information. and Is there any other Airport who is using this type resource?? I think government or some organization should take step for this type of program.
I think small electricity generation is the wave of the future. If each household or business generated between 50 and 80% of their own electricity, we could get away from huge power plants that have to transfer their electricity hundreds of miles to the consumer. The savings from energy loss alone should be valuable.