JFK Terminal 4 Becomes the First Pre-Existing Airline Terminal in the Nation Certified as LEED Platinum
Environmental Achievement is in Keeping with Port Authority’s Goal of Reaching Net-Zero Emissions Agency-Wide by 2050
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and JFK International Air Terminal, LLC (JFKIAT) announced today that Terminal 4 at John F. Kennedy International Airport was awarded Platinum certification for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). Terminal 4, operated by JFKIAT, is the first airline terminal in the United States to receive Platinum recognition for pre-existing airline terminals.
LEED, developed by USGBC, is the most widely used green building rating system in the world and an international symbol of excellence. Through design, construction and operations practices that improve environmental and human health, LEED-certified buildings are helping to make the world more sustainable. Terminal 4 received this certification with help of CodeGreen, which provided energy and sustainability consulting throughout the certification process.
“Congratulations to Terminal 4 operator JFKIAT for successfully earning LEED Platinum certification, in keeping with the Port Authority’s commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” said Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole. “As we redevelop each of our region’s airports into world-class facilities, we should be no less ambitious in our drive to build sustainable facilities than we are to building those that deliver a truly inspiring customer experience. Once again, we are setting an important precedent for other airports around the country to follow.”
“Achieving LEED Platinum status at Terminal 4 at JFK Airport underscores our commitment to live up to ever higher sustainability goals as we move forward to completely transform the airport into a world-class facility fit for the 21st century,” said Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton. “In 2021, the Port Authority’s Board of Commissioners adopted the goal of achieving net zero emissions agency-wide by 2050. Terminal 4’s achievement of LEED Platinum is an important step toward reaching that goal.”
“As operators of the largest air terminal at JFK Airport, sustainability has always been a core component of JFKIAT’s mission, and we are committed to reducing our carbon footprint across operations,” said Roel Huinink, President and CEO of JFKIAT. “Receiving LEED Platinum certification for Terminal 4 is a tremendous achievement and demonstrates how JFKIAT is truly a pioneer in sustainability. We are proud of our team’s incredible work to innovate our operations to achieve this important milestone, and we look forward to expanding our initiatives to prioritize sustainability and provide the healthiest environment for our customers, employees, and business partners.”
In October 2021, the Port Authority became the first transportation agency in the U.S. to adopt the goal of reaching net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 through a detailed and ambitions strategy that includes facility-wide initiatives in the areas of electrification, renewable energy, and sustainable buildings/energy efficiency. To achieve these goals, the Port Authority is partnering with stakeholders, including airlines, terminal operators, concessionaires, ground transportation companies, construction companies, and electricity suppliers, among others, as well as companies and government agencies involved in making their electric grids less energy intensive. Terminal 4’s LEED Platinum certification follows last year’s LEED Gold certification for LaGuardia Airport’s new Terminal B.
As part of the transformation of JFK International Airport, Terminal 4 is undergoing a $1.5 billion modernization and expansion by its principal carrier, Delta Air Lines, and JFKIAT.
JFKIAT, through its comprehensive sustainability program, continues investing in innovative initiatives focused on energy efficiency, greenhouse gas emission reduction, water conservation, waste management, indoor air quality, biodiversity, and sustainable transportation. JFKIAT’s strategy is centered on operational efficiency, environmental stewardship, economic stability, and a commitment to providing an exceptional experience for customers and employees.
This achievement is JFKIAT’s latest milestone in its ongoing commitment to sustainability. In 2017, Terminal 4 became the first existing airport terminal in the U.S. to receive LEED Gold certification by USGBC for operations and maintenance. JFKIAT has an ongoing program to improve energy efficiency and reduce waste through the implementation of recycling and composting programs. In addition to environmental actions, JFKIAT is committed to community engagement and creating opportunities for social equity. In particular, JFKIAT has founded the 4Good Committee, which is aimed at promoting educational, social, and professional success for the local community.
“CodeGreen is honored to partner with the JFKIAT team in their achievement of a LEED O+M Platinum Certification,” said Michael Vucinovich, Senior Project Manager, Existing Buildings Team Lead at CodeGreen. “This certification is another example of the organization's long-standing commitment to the principles of sustainability. We celebrate this accomplishment with them and look forward to continuing to work with JFKIAT towards their future net zero energy and carbon goals.”
LEED certification was launched by USGBC in 2000. The program evaluates projects in six different environmental categories. It is considered one of the most holistic and influential evaluation standards of environmental buildings and green buildings and is highly coveted, particularly for an airport terminal. There are four levels of LEED certification: Certified, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. Qualifications for Platinum certification require 80 or more points out of a possible 100.
“JFKIAT’s LEED certification demonstrates tremendous green building leadership,” said Peter Templeton, interim president and CEO, USGBC. “LEED was created to make the world a better place and revolutionize our buildings and communities by providing everyone with access to healthy, green and high performing buildings. JFKIAT is a prime example of how the innovative work of project teams can create local solutions that contribute to making a global difference.”
Terminal 4 was the first air terminal in North America operated by a private management company. JFKIAT’s managing member is Schiphol USA Inc., a U.S. affiliate of Royal Schiphol Group.
About JFKIAT
JFK International Air Terminal, LLC. (JFKIAT) is the operator of Terminal 4 at John F. Kennedy International Airport, one of the most active air terminals in the New York area, serving 33 international and domestic airlines with an annual passenger volume of more than 21 million travelers in 2019. In 2017 Terminal 4 became the first existing airport terminal in the U.S. to receive LEED Gold certification by the United States Green Building Council (USGBC) for operations and maintenance, and in 2022 it became the first air terminal in the U.S. to receive Platinum recognition for pre-existing air terminals. The Terminal’s expansive Retail Lounge offers an unparalleled experience for travelers with a wide range of food and beverage and retail options, from chic to upscale and from convenience stores, to electronics, accessories, and gifts. Terminal 4 was the first air terminal in North America operated by a private management company. JFKIAT’s managing member is Schiphol USA Inc., a U.S. affiliate of Royal Schiphol Group.
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About the U.S. Green Building Council
The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is committed to a prosperous and sustainable future through cost-efficient and energy-saving green buildings. USGBC works toward its mission of market transformation through its LEED green building program, robust educational offerings, an international network of local community leaders, the annual Greenbuild International Conference & Expo, the Center for Green Schools, and advocacy in support of public policy that encourages and enables green buildings and communities. For more information, visit usgbc.org and connect on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
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The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is a bi-state agency that builds, operates, and maintains many of the most important transportation and trade infrastructure assets in the country. For over a century, the agency’s network of major airports; critical bridges, tunnels and bus terminals; a commuter rail line; and the busiest seaport on the East Coast has been among the most vital in the country – transporting hundreds of millions of people and moving essential goods into and out of the region. The Port Authority also owns and manages the 16-acre World Trade Center campus, which today welcomes tens of thousands of office workers and millions of annual visitors. The agency’s historic $37 billion 10-year capital plan includes unprecedented transformation of the region’s three major airports – LaGuardia, Newark Liberty and JFK – as well as an array of other new and upgraded assets, including the $2 billion renovation of the 90-year-old George Washington Bridge. The Port Authority’s annual budget of $8 billion includes no tax revenue from either the states of New York or New Jersey or from the City of New York. The agency raises the necessary funds for the improvement, construction or acquisition of its facilities primarily on its own credit. For more information, visit www.panynj.gov or check out the Now Arriving blog.
