Pittsburgh International Airport’s new terminal and Customer Service Building have received LEED Gold certification, recognising the facilities’ energy efficiency, water conservation and sustainable design measures.
The certification was awarded by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). PIT’s new Terminal Garage has also received Parksmart Gold certification from Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI).
LEED, or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, assesses buildings against criteria including energy and water efficiency, materials, indoor environmental quality and waste management.
Chad Willis, Allegheny County Airport Authority’s Vice President of Planning, Environmental and Sustainability said:PIT pursued Gold certification for all three projects because the facilities were already being designed as modern, energy-efficient buildings with many of the features required for certification. Since those sustainable design elements were part of the base design, it made sense to pursue LEED and Parksmart Gold and formally recognise the projects’ performance.
The new terminal includes energy-efficient building systems, smart controls, water conservation measures, sustainable waste management practices and the use of responsible and locally sourced materials. Measures designed to improve indoor air quality and occupant well-being are also incorporated into the facilities.
The Terminal Garage’s Parksmart Gold certification assesses its approach to parking operations, sustainability and the experience of drivers. Features contributing to the certification include energy-efficient lighting, electric vehicle charging infrastructure and technologies intended to improve the efficiency of parking.
The terminal has also been designed around PIT’s NaTeCo (Nature, Technology and Community) philosophy. This includes the use of natural light, sustainable materials and design elements inspired by the surrounding landscape.
PIT’s wider sustainability programme includes a microgrid that became operational in 2021, combining natural gas and solar generation to provide power to the airport.
The new terminal project also includes four outdoor terraces. The first, a 36,000-square-foot terrace, opened in July 2026 and includes seating, landscaping and a walkway. Rainwater captured from the terminal roof is used to supply water for the terraces.
For further information about Pittsburgh International Airport’s new terminal, listen to the latest episode of All Routes Considered, in interview with PIT CEO Christina Cassotis.
