Queen Beatrix International Airport achieves LEED Gold certification

The airport secured the sustainable certification for its Gateway 2030 Phase 1A Expansion project – which is a more than 14,000m2 expansion of its US Departures Passenger Terminal, incorporating a check-in hall, baggage hall and airline offices, all with the aim of improving capacity.

NACO, Netherlands Airport Consultants, was enlisted by Aruba Airport Authority N.V. to provide sustainable design, engineering and LEED certification services and advice to further integrate innovative and sustainable design principles to meet AAA’s ambition to achieve LEED Gold Standards.

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (or LEED) certification is a prestigious level of recognition that signifies a building project has demonstrated a comprehensive commitment to sustainable design, construction and operation. 

Innovative measures were incorporated to create a truly sustainable project. Among them, energy demand was minimised by incorporating a highly energy efficient mechanical system, an energy efficient baggage handling system, solar heat protection and solar panels. 
Additionally, the use of recycled building materials, and facilitating waste management, means that the design contributes to a circular economy approach. The building also utilises condensate water from the mechanical system to irrigate the airport’s landscaping.

The result is a testament to AAA’s and the entire team’s commitment and collaboration, with highlights including:

• Energy Efficiency: 48% less energy demand compared to the existing terminal building, with 5% renewable energy produced on-site.
• Water Conservation: 24% less water demand and no potable water used for irrigation.
• Waste Management: Over 57% of onsite generated construction waste was diverted from landfills.
• Materials: Use of recycled content and natural materials to enhance indoor air quality and environmental performance.
• Transportation: Provides alternative-fuel stations (EV chargers) for 5.35% of the total parking capacity and low-emitting vehicles
• Alternative Energy: Solar panels and green power purchasing.
• Indoor Environmental Quality: Demand-controlled ventilation, LED lighting, and low VOC materials for a healthy indoor climate

Speaking about the achievement, Esther Kromhout, Managing Director at NACO, said: “We’re incredibly proud to have been a part of this project, alongside AAA and our project partners. No other building in the Caribbean can claim LEED Gold certification – making this a truly momentous achievement in the future of a sustainable built environment in the Caribbean.”

The achievement now paves the way for a more sustainable future for Aruba’s airport, that will be further expanded with the LEED certification of subsequent projects in the Gateway 2030 expansion project phases already underway.