Best known for its Rocky Mountain geology, Denver Colorado seems to be light years ahead of most major cities in its green attitude, so much so that this Augusts’ Democratic National Convention will be the most green, ever. From its amazing eco-friendly airport to their “Green Fleet” city vehicles program, these central Coloradans know how to take care of their environs.
Denver International Airport (DIA) is the 5th busiest international airport in the United States and the 10th busiest in the world; it depends on efficiency to remain successful and competitive. In 2004 it became the first commercial airport in the country to attain ISO 14001 for its Environmental Management System.
The airport retains 100% (678) alternatively-powered vehicles including 210 using compressed gas, 108 electric and hybrid-electric, and 360 heavy duty vehicles that run on B20 biodiesel.
In addition, DIA currently utilizes hundreds of miniature wind turbines, strategically located on the walls of the subway. As the cars of the Automated Guideway Transit System carry passengers to and from three concourses and other public areas over a 2.4 mile journey, they move turbines that create wind energy to help power various energy sources.
DIA recycles 19 materials on a regular basis as part of its normal operations including brake fluid, deicing fluid, cardboard, newspaper and aluminum--to name a few. Also of note is DIA’s effort to replace its computer monitors to energy efficient LCD screens that require less heat, thus creating less energy for cooling.
Currently under construction is a two-megawatt solar energy system. Located at the entrance to the main terminal, the array will consist of a series of ground-mounted solar tracking photovoltaic panels that follow the sun as it moves across the sky. Its operation is expected to generate 3.5 million kilowatt hours of clean electricity annually. With over 300 days of sunshine annually, its operation will avoid dumping over 5 million pounds of carbon emissions into the atmosphere each year.
DIA officials are currently planning to monitor wind levels to determine whether they are going to locate a wind farm on its property in Adams County. DIA owns the property north of the airport, the site of a former subdivision. Other options for the property include industrial facilities, a sod farm, or other farming.