The airport has been a model for energy efficiency and daylighting since it opened in 1995. Denver International Airport's Jeppesen Terminal was designed to exceed energy conservation standards. The beautiful and functional fiberglass roof and strategically placed windows allow natural daylight to illuminate the space, significantly reducing the terminal’s electricity needs during daytime. Other energy conservation measures included high efficiency motors, low-E insulating glass in most windows, and a flexible, modular HVAC system design.
More than 20 years later, we continue to build high-performing, energy efficient buildings while working to continually improve our existing facilities.
Learn more: DEN's Energy Master Plan
Learn more about green buildings at DEN.
Energy Conservation Upgrades
Lighting
The airport has an ongoing program to replace older lighting with newer, more efficient lighting. As of January 2015, DEN has saved 7.9 million kilowatt hours (kWh) per year by retrofitting and upgrading existing light fixtures with new, energy efficient lighting technologies.
Heating and Cooling
The airport is implementing several measures that are expected to save over 8 million kWh per year on heating and air conditioning. These measures include equipment replacement, decommissioning, and integrating new control technology that will track performance and improve overall system efficiency.
Equipment Efficiency
DEN’s escalators in Jeppesen Terminal and the concourses are equipped with energy-saving motor controllers, resulting in an annual savings of 1.7 million kWh of electricity. These controllers automatically reduce power to the motors when there are fewer people on the escalator, which saves energy.
The airport continues to install more efficient motors, variable frequency drives, and efficient compressors as appropriate; these systems are currently saving over 6.8 million kWh of electricity annually.
Leveraging Local Partnerships
DEN continues to partner with Xcel Energy to leverage rebates and incentives that allow us to implement more efficiency projects and maximize our return on investments. As of January 2016, Xcel Energy has provided over $2 million in rebates to the airport for energy conservation projects.
Renewable Energy
Since 2008, DEN has been committed to investing in on-site renewable energy technology. Currently, four photovoltaic solar arrays are operating on Denver International Airport property with a combined capacity of 10 megawatts (MW). That’s enough electricity to power over 2,500 typical Denver-area homes. The arrays have the capacity to offset up to 11,465 metric tons of greenhouse-gas emissions each year, which is equivalent to the emissions associated with burning more than 12 million pounds of coal.
Total number of solar panels installed since 2008: 42,614
Total Acres: 56
Production Potential: 16.1 Gigawatt hours/year
Questions? Contact us at [email protected].