Newark, NJ Airport Decarbonization

Newark, NJ Airport – Net Zero/Complete Electrification of Building 1 & Electric Ground Support Vehicle Fleet Conversion

Newark Liberty International Airport is a major international airport serving the New York metropolitan area and is a major gateway to destinations in Europe, South America, Asia, and Oceania. Owned jointly by New York and Newark, the airport is leased to its operator, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.

As part of the Port Authority’s commitment to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050, Constellation Energy performed an Investment Grade Audit of Newark Airport which included a concept for complete electrification of Building 1 as a pilot for future electrification of port authority buildings. Building 1 is a 102,000 2-story structure built in 1934 and dedicated in 1935 by Amelia Earhart and is the world’s first passenger terminal, flight control tower, airport hotel and weather bureau and was the prototype of future airport buildings in the US. It now houses Port Authority offices and the police and emergency vehicles offices and is also a museum.

Pennoni was retained by Constellation Energy as the Engineer of Record for 35% engineering design and to assist preparing project construction bid packages. Phase 1 of the project included developing an Energy Model of Building 1 and 35% design documents related to ECM’s identified in the Investment Grade Audit that included replacing Roof Top Units with electric air source heat pump, replacing reheat coils, packaged air-cooled indoor hvac units, natural gas boilers and natural gas MUA Units; install VFD’s on HHW Pumps; and replacing 14 transformers. Phase 2 included preparing engineer calculations for sizing of new equipment, equipment selection, energy savings calculations and support final ECM development to include coordination with subcontractors.

As part of this overall project, Pennoni has performed similar work designed to increase efficiencies around HVAC in 11 facilities within the airport complex.

Additionally, Pennoni was hired as the Engineer of Record to provide 35% engineer design and project construction bid packages for the installation of 31 electric vehicle dual charge stations located inside and outside Terminal B for Electric Ground Support Equipment converting from diesel.

The effort was multi-discipline and our Electrical Scope included: Electrical calcs to support quantity and model of charger to be used based on previous load study; a proposed conduit route from connection to existing electrical infrastructure; and budgetary equipment costs for specified new equipment selections. Civil/Site scope: Charger station site layout coordinated with vehicle parking striping; Illustrate underground utility lines in the area of the FIS wall in coordination with electrical engineer; Propose charge pad/footing locations in coordination with structural engineer; Areas of existing & proposed concrete sidewalks, curbs, pavement, jersey barriers; Review grading and drainage; Civil related specs and detailed scope of work to be included in bid package. Structural scope: Evaluate & document requirements for adequate structural attachment and support of each specific charging station interior and exterior.