How has SFO created a new terminal that uses 70% less energy?
“It’s important that at the onset of a project, clear goals and targets are defined in coordination with the client and communicated to the design team,” says Varun Kohli, principal and director of sustainability at architecture and design firm Corgan.
Lifecycle analysis/assessment (LCA) boundaries, processes and goals – whether driven by the airport’s own aspirations or in alignment with Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) or other third-party certifications – should be defined early in the project.
“Without a team effort, LCA reductions are not possible in complex projects such as aviation facilities,” continues Kohli. “This means that the structural engineering team is looking at options for structural materials and that the architectural team is looking at envelope assemblies to assess all materials.”
TAKE A HOLISTIC APPROACH
“I recommend looking at carbon emission reductions in a holistic way,” says Corgan’s Kohli. “Consider whole building lifecycle assessment (WBLCA) that includes embodied carbon in materials (cradle to cradle), construction-activity-related emissions and, of course, operational energy and carbon for the facility.
“Using a cradle-to-cradle assessment of the materials used forces us to think about circular economy and how materials from the project may be reused at the building’s end of life. Such a systems approach will ensure an efficient process that delivers a successful project.”
USE EFFICIENT DESIGN STRATEGIES TO REDUCE MATERIAL USE
“Using computational design tools can help optimize building structure, thereby reducing material (be it concrete or steel),” concludes Corgan’s Kohli. “This helps reduce not only embodied carbon but also capital cost for the project.
“We’re starting to see many digital design tools such as ones to help reduce steel connection material, again reducing material, embodied carbon and cost.”
