Los Angeles Airport Adopts Green Building Standards

The Board of Airport Commissioners have adopted a green building policy that commits Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) to incorporate the highest possible Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards in all future construction projects at LAWA’s four airports—Los Angeles International (LAX), LA/Ontario International (ONT), LA/Palmdale Regional (PMD) and Van Nuys (VNY).

In 2002, the City of Los Angeles adopted a policy that all new city buildings of 7,500 square feet or more should be designed to meet LEED standards whenever possible. While this policy did not apply to projects by LAWA or other city departments, LAWA staff developed a set of green building practices for its own use.

In its action, the board notes that LAX is entering into a period of modernization and new construction that could last up to 10 years and involve millions of square feet of new construction.

The Airport Commissioners add that should the U.S. Green Building Council adopt standards specifically applicable to airport facilities, LAWA would formally pursue the highest practical LEED certification for all projects planned and built after the adoption of such standards.