Scope

As design-build mechanical contractor on the largest single infrastructure project in the history of Kansas City, U.S. Engineering impacted the project on sustainability. The initial design called for a standalone building central utility plant (CUP), but our teams recommended moving the CUP into the terminal. The redesign not only reduced cost by eliminating over a mile of hydronic piping, but also cut energy consumption significantly by reducing the distance water needed to be pumped between the standalone CUP and the terminal.

The LEED Gold-v4-certified project (the first airport in the MIdwest and second in the country to achieve this designation) features dedicated energy recovery units and 800-ton chillers set in a series-counterflow arrangement for increased energy efficiency. Additionally the heating plant is entirely electric, and the airport features on-site solar panels, resulting in low-carbon operation. High-efficiency bathroom and kitchen fixtures will use 30% less water compared to conventional fixtures.