This project is one out of five in the United States to be given the accreditation

Fentress Architects have announced that the new Concourse D at Nashville International Airport has been awarded the LEED silver certification.

The commandment means Concourse D is one of only five newly constructed airport facilities in the US to receive the award.

According to LEED – Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design – it is the most widely used green building system globally. The company’s objective is to optimise building performance whilst supporting health and wellbeing.

“LEED certification is a coveted mark of environmental distinction and innovation,” said Doug Kreulen, BNA President and CEO. “We’re building not only a bigger airport, but also a better, ‘greener,’ more sustainable airport. I’m proud of our commitment to these principles and appreciative of all the hard work that went into obtaining this recognition.”

Construction of Concourse D was completed in July 2020. The project cost $292 million and consists of a 115,000 square foot expansion carried out by Fentress Architects progressive design build team.

Features include six domestic aircraft gates, public art, traveller amenities and improved ramp services. More specifically, the new infrastructure consists of economical elements such as the electrochromic glass that blocks out sunlight while reducing energy consumption for climate control. There is also energy efficient lighting that automatically dims when there is enough natural light, as well as geothermal cooling, water-conserving plumbing and a focus on waste reduction.

Deborah Lucking, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, Director of Sustainability at Fentress Architects, said: “Fentress is committed to advancing sustainability and human wellness in the built environment and achieving LEED v4 Silver showcases the project team’s dedication to going far beyond the minimum LEED requirements to achieve certification.”

Fentress has worked in conjunction with other firms on the new site, including Corgan, I.C. Thomasson Associates Inc, Smith Seckman Reid and S&ME.

The company has also worked on other sustainable facilities across the US. Those awarded the LEED Gold certification are Los Angeles International Airport’s Tom Bradley Terminal B, San Francisco International Airport traffic control tower and Concourse E at Portland International Airport.

Currently, the architectural firm are working with Orlando International Airports’ new South Terminal C and George Bush Intercontinental Airport’s Mickey Leland terminal. Both sites are on track for LEED accreditation.