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Massport Forecasts Sunny Days For Hanscom Field
New Solar Panels to Reduce Energy Consumption by 10 Percent

Bedford, MA -- The Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) recently approved $858,000 to renovate the roof of the Civil Air Terminal Building at L.G. Hanscom Field. The project, scheduled to begin in September, includes the installation of 222 photovoltaic solar module panels and the installation of a new modified-bitumen roofing system.

The 51.2 kW-DC rated photovoltaic panel system is expected to produce 57,233 kWh of electricity, or 10 percent of the building’s total annual consumption. This is equal to the reduction of 36.6 metric tons of CO2 and is the equivalent of not using approximately 95 barrels of oil or 4,600 gallons of gasoline. The new roof covering will reduce the summer heat loads resulting in energy savings due to reduced air conditioning demands. The Civil Air Terminal Roof and Renovations project is expected to last five months and create 15 jobs.

“This is a much needed renovation project that will benefit the companies doing business here at the airport while at the same time helping us achieve our renewable energy goals,” said Massport CEO & Executive Director Thomas J. Kinton, Jr. “Massport recognizes the value of developing comprehensive energy strategies that make Massport a more environmentally sustainable organization.”

In 2001 Hanscom Field became the first US airport to receive ISO 14001 certification from the International Organization for Standardization. ISO 14001 is an internationally recognized environmental management system standard. To be certified to the standard, a business must implement an environmental management system (EMS), which is the tool used by organizations to control the impacts of its activities and services on the environment.

Massport actively evaluates renewable energy options with the goal of meeting Governor Deval Patrick’s “Lead by Example” executive order that seeks procurement of 15% of all agency energy needs from renewable resources and setting aggressive greenhouse gas reduction goals. Last year Massport installed 20 building-integrated wind turbines on the roof of the Logan Office Center which house Massport’s administrative offices at Boston Logan International Airport.

Earlier this year, Massport installed 32 solar panel trees on the roof of the Terminal B garage at Boston Logan. To date, the 200 KwDC system has resulted in a reduction of 71.8 metric tons of CO2. In addition to the solar panels, work on the 36-year-old garage includes replacement of existing lighting with Light Emitting Diode (LED) lights for the garage, roadway and walkway. When the project is complete in 2012, Massport expects to see a 60 percent reduction in energy use associated with the garage, roadway and walkway areas.

Massport is the 2008 winner of Gov. Deval Patrick’s Leading by Example Award and the 2008 Environmental Management Award presented by the Airports Council International – North America (ACI-NA) for its Emissions Reduction Program. Emissions reduction is one of the most prominent environmental, operational and community issues currently facing the aviation industry.

Hanscom Field is home to the largest concentration of jets based in New England, with 77 jet aircraft ranging in size from the new Eclipse 500 VLJ to the Global Express and Challenger aircraft. Located in Bedford Mass., Hanscom Field is a vital link to domestic and international destinations for local companies. With its modern facilities, Hanscom is New England’s premier full-service corporate and general aviation airport, contributing more than $180 million to the regional economy each year.

The Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) operates Boston Logan International Airport, the Port of Boston, Hanscom Field and Worcester Regional Airport. Massport is a financially self-sustaining public authority whose premier transportation facilities generate more than $8 billion annually, and enhance and enable economic growth and vitality in New England.

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