Energy Management

The existing off-ramp from inbound Peña Blvd. to Jackson Gap is closed for construction. While a temporary off-ramp is available, construction activity in the area may cause travel impacts. Drivers on Jackson Gap will not be able to travel westbound on E 75th Ave. to the Pikes Peak shuttle lot. Detours are in place.

Peña Construction Prompts Detours for Jackson Gap and 75th

Renewable Energy at DEN

Since 2008, DEN has been committed to investing in onsite renewable energy technology.

Total number of solar panels installed since 2008: 42,614
Total Acres: 56
Production Potential: 16.1 Gigawatt hours/year

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.

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.

Green Buildings at DEN

Energy Management Plan

More than 20 years later, we continue to build high-performing, energy efficient buildings while working to continually improve our existing facilities.

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.

Aerobahn and De-icing Manager

In 2013, DEN deployed the Saab Sensis Aerobahn Surface Management System that provides airport operations managers with real-time information about aircraft deicing operations.

This system improves environmental performance, enhances operational efficiency and reduces ground delays. Although the Aerobahn system is implemented in a handful of U.S. airports, DEN worked with Saab Sensis to integrate the system with our deicing operations.

This Deicing Manager, in tandem with the existing software, allows DEN to manage deicing and snow removal activities more efficiently by optimizing timing and communication, reducing queue times and burning less fuel on the deicing pads and runways. DEN customized the program for its own operations while playing a key role in the development of a Deicing Manager application that could be used at any airport throughout the world.