Denver’s continuing effort to reduce its carbon footprint and promote environmental sustainability took another step forward Tuesday as Mayor John Hickenlooper and Aviation Manager Kim Day dedicated a two-megawatt solar-energy system just south of Denver International Airport’s Jeppesen Terminal. The system is situated on 7.5 acres of land, and consists of more than 9,200 solar panels that follow the sun to maximize efficiency and energy production. The system – designed and built by WorldWater & Solar Technologies, and owned and operated by MMA Renewable Ventures – will generate more than 3 million kilowatt hours of electricity per year. That amount of electricity is about half of the power required annually to operate the airport’s people-mover train system. DIA will buy the electricity at a set rate, reducing its carbon emissions by an estimated 5 million pounds per year.

“This solar installation at Denver International Airport – the gateway to Denver – demonstrates our commitment to renewable energy,” Hickenlooper said. “Reducing our carbon footprint is a key goal of our Greenprint Denver sustainability initiative. It is exactly this type of public-private partnership that will ensure we meet that goal.”

Mayor Hickenlooper said the city is proud to have such a system that meshes perfectly with his Greenprint Denver agenda to promote sustainability. “This installation is both a symbol and a practical example of the city’s commitment to renewable energy,” Hickenlooper said.

Aviation Manager Day noted DIA’s “long-standing commitment to sustainable operations and environmental protection,” with an Environmental Management System that is certified to the ISO 14001:2004 standard. DIA also was the first U.S. airport to be accepted into the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s National Environmental Performance Track program.

Source: Denver International Airport
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