Dallas Fort Worth Airport’s Energy Initiatives Result in $1 Million in Savings

In a recently released environmental sustainability report, Dallas Fort Worth (DFW) airport announced its current achievements and future goals relating to energy usage.

Among some of the findings:

• By installing highly efficient plumbing fixtures across terminals and office buildings, DFW lowered customer water usage across all five terminals, saving millions of gallons each month.
• DFW partners with neighboring cities to create a reclaimed water-delivery system that provides water irrigation and serves as a key component in heating terminal buildings. By regaining the water rights to Trigg Lake, a major water resource for the irrigation of Bear Creek Golf Course, DFW further reduced the potable water used for irrigation.
• DFW used 126 million gallons of reclaimed water in FY18; averages 100 million gallons/year.
• In FY18 the Airport reduced electricity costs by 27%.
• Clean energy fuels DFW’s plan to make travel and transportation more sustainable for future generations.
• In FY18, DFW transitioned to 100% renewable electricity. DFW Airport was able to make this transition and simultaneously achieve a 3% reduction in its electricity rate, providing energy cost savings.
• DFW purchases 100% of its electricity from renewable sources, specifically Texas wind farms, which helps green the Texas electricity grid and benefit local economies.
• DFW’s transportation fleet used 36% renewable natural gas (RNG) last year, exceeding the annual goal of 10%.
• DFW’s switch to RNG provides fuel savings, as well as revenue from the Environmental Protection Agency Renewable Fuel Standard Program, resulted in a $100,000 renewable fuel credit rebate and $1 million in savings.

Several US airports have recently begun implementing energy efficient practices. In November 2018, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport announced it would install high-mast LED lighting for a retrofit of their existing airport tarmac lighting.

The new LED lights are expected to offer more than 50% less energy consumption than the previous 1000-watt high pressure sodium lighting system. More than 750 energy-saving LED lights are now installed on 80-foot poles across concourses T, A, B, C, D and E, providing enhanced safety for pilots, ground personnel, and baggage handlers around the aircraft and throughout the ramp area. The new LED lighting will enhance nighttime operations with higher illuminance levels and better light coverage on the apron while reducing lamp replacement and maintenance costs.

And in December 2017, The US Department of Energy recognized two Seattle-area Better Buildings Challenge partners, King County and Shari’s Café & Pies, for their successful energy-efficient upgrade achievements at the King County International Airport and the local Shari’s in Lynnwood, Washington. Through the Better Buildings Challenge, these two partners committed to reducing energy use across their properties by at least 20% in 10 years.

The 4th Annual Environmental Leader & Energy Manager Conference takes place May 13 – 15, 2019 in Denver. Learn more here.