Newark Liberty International Airport to Receive $14.3M in Energy Conservation Upgrades

On May 1, 2015

Continuing its focus on increasing energy efficiency, the Port Authority’s Board of Commissioners authorizes $14.3 million for energy conservation improvements at Newark Liberty International Airport, a program expected to save approximately $27 million over a 20-year period.

The action is part of a long-term initiative to modernize the agency’s energy-using systems and reduce energy costs. Projects include extensive lighting upgrades, the replacement of mechanical equipment and water conservation.  At Newark Liberty, these  measures will eliminate more than 3,000 metric tons of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions annually – a figure equivalent to preserving 338,000 gallons of gasoline.

In addition to energy conservation initiatives at Newark Liberty and the other Port Authority airports, the agency was nationally recognized for its continued sustainability efforts, including its investments in one of the nation’s greenest vehicle fleets.  The Port Authority was named in 50 Leading Fleets by Government Fleet Magazine, an award the agency received for the second consecutive year.

“The Port Authority has spent approximately $22 million on energy saving projects in recent years to help protect the environment and reduce costs,” said Port Authority Chairman John Degnan.  “These initiatives also help stimulate the regional economy. This project alone is expected to create 90 jobs, and support $6.7 million in direct payroll wages and $22.7 million in related economic activity.”

“[The] $14.3 million investment is a continuation of the Port Authority’s ongoing, multimillion-dollar commitment to environmentally friendly and clean energy projects,” said Port Authority Vice Chairman Scott Rechler.  “We are moving the agency further toward its clean energy goals while providing more efficient transportation facilities for the region.”

The Port Authority’s utility upgrades follow industry protocols by including specific measurement and verification plans. These plans will track utility savings as compared to baseline use established through metering, billing analysis, engineering calculations and site interviews with staff. The agency’s Office of Environmental and Energy Programs will monitor future energy bills to confirm savings.

Utility consumption reduction is a cornerstone of the Port Authority’s sustainability efforts, and improvements have been and are being made at the George Washington Bridge, Outerbridge Crossing and Goethals Bridge, the Holland and Lincoln tunnels, the Port Authority Bus Terminal and PATH facilities, as well as Newark Liberty, Stewart and John F. Kennedy International airports.

Many of the agency’s airports have sustainable management plans featuring renewable energy, waste-management recycling programs, “green-certified” cleaning products and both interior and exterior LED lighting.

Related Articles: