Minneapolis Airport Expansion Uses Geothermal Heating and Water Conservation Methods to Reduce Impact

A terminal expansion plan for the Minneapolis Airport includes geothermal heating and water conservation measures, reports Brian Martucci in Smart Cities Dive. The project, which broke ground in August, will add two new gates, expanded seating, new restrooms, and additional operational areas.

“The improvements in the expanded north end of Terminal 2 are expected to reduce overall energy demand for heating and cooling by 19%, water drawn from the local water utility by 56% and energy demand for interior and exterior lighting by 23% and 62%, respectively, according to an MAC fact sheet shared with Smart Cities Dive sister publication Facilities Dive.”

The airport received a $20 million grant through the Federal Aviation Administration’s Airport Terminals Program to pursue the $263-million project, which will use a groundwater-based heating and cooling system and efficient water fixtures. “The expanded terminal will feature high-efficiency building envelope improvements, including triple-glazed windows installed with bamboo framing, increased wall and roof insulation and airtight exterior detailing.”