The Indianapolis Airport Authority (IAA) has announced the Col. H. Weir Cook Terminal at Indianapolis International Airport (IND) earned Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) certification.

This designation makes IND the first airport in the nation to earn LEED certification for an entire terminal campus. Additionally, measuring in at 1.2 million square feet makes IND one of the largest projects to be awarded LEED certification.

LEED is a third-party certification program and nationally accepted benchmark for design, construction and operation of environmentally friendly, or green/sustainable, buildings. The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) manages the program.

Among the long list of details that qualified IND for LEED certification are natural light in 75 percent of the building, energy-efficient equipment and building heating / ventilation controls. Extensive recycling programs were in place during construction and material specific receptacles have been placed throughout the facility for employees and patrons. Finally, deicing chemicals are captured and consumed by microorganisms in detention ponds.

Although the features recognized by LEED certification provide an enhanced experience for visitors and employees while supporting their well-being, they also add great value through measurable efficiency gains in energy, fuel and water usage. Airport spokesman Carlo Betolini noted annual savings from the LEED features are estimated at $2 million a year.

“On the third anniversary of the Midfield Terminal opening, we are reminded of the decades-long foresight and strategic planning that were required to create the award winning, internationally recognized airport we now enjoy,” said John Clark III, executive director and CEO of the IAA. “Practicing sound sustainability processes helps us improve the quality of life in our community while becoming more competitive.”

Hunt is at the forefront of sustainable construction setting the standard in numerous industries. Completed in 2010, Van Andel Research Institute in Grand Rapids, MI earned LEED Platinum certification and Amway Center in Orlando, FL became the first LEED Gold certified NBA sports facility. Earlier that same year, CONSOL Energy Center in Pittsburgh, PA became the first LEED Gold certified sports facility. 2008 marked the opening of Nationals Park in Washington, D.C. as the first LEED Silver certified sports facility and Coyote Ridge Corrections Center in Connell, WA became the first LEED Gold certified correctional facility.