The CDA boasts 13 certifications at O’Hare and Midway International Airports that have earned third-party recognition for sustainable design and construction. These voluntary certifications developed and maintained by governing bodies that ensure their standard is consistent with current research and industry best practice. Achievement of any certification proves the commitment good environmental and social practices. The CDA aspires to continue to pursue these certifications for future projects.
The LEED certification, bestowed by the U.S. Green Building Council® (USGBC®), indicates that a structure has achieved a requisite level of sustainability, resource efficiency, energy efficiency environmental quality. Projects are awarded points for incorporating sustainable technologies USGBC aims to help building owners and operators be environmentally responsible and use resources efficiently. O’Hare and Midway are currently home to 11 LEED certified buildings.
The Parksmart certification, administered by Green Business Certification, Inc.™ (GBCI®), is a specialized rating system that recognizes high-performance parking structures that reduce their environmental impact, increase their energy efficiency and performance, manage parking spaces efficiently, encourage alternative mobility options, and strengthen community relationships. The O’Hare Multi-Modal Facility is recognized as the first Parksmart certified project in Illinois and the Terminal 5 Parking Garage is the second in Illinois.
The majority of all construction and demolition debris has been recycled and prevented from entering area landfills in compliance with the Chicago Municipal Code 11-4-1905 and the Sustainable Airport Manual™ (SAM®). Additionally, the CDA reduces hauling, labor, and fuels costs by keeping as much excavated soil on-site as possible. This effort has kept soil on-site and out of landfills, helping the CDA achieve the triple bottom line by being economically viable, socially responsible, and environmentally sound.
The CDA requires contractors to use the newer, more efficient construction equipment in compliance with the Chicago Municipal Code 2-92-595 and the SAM. Older construction equipment must be retrofitted with oxidation catalysts or particulate filters to reduce emissions to current standards.