According to the US DOE buildings use 39% of energy and 79% of electricity produced each year in the US.
Terminal B was designed to optimize energy performance exceeding California Title 24 standards by 16%. Some important elements that assist in this effort include occupancy sensors and a programmable lighting control system to optimize the efficiency of lighting. As well as a central plant for heating and cooling on the Airport campus which uses circulating water and is more efficient than conventional roof top units.
Seventy percent of Terminal B’s energy purchase is green power. This is defined as solar, wind, geothermal, biogas, biomass, and low-impact small hydroelectric by the U.S. EPA. This purchase will offset 18,811,996 lbs of CO2 over a two year period.
A 3.4 acre solar array on the roof of the Consolidated Rental Car Facility provides one megawatt or 20% of the power for the structure, which includes car washes and a fueling system. This system reduces overall utility costs and works towards achieving the City of San Jose’s Green Vision goal of receiving 100% of electrical power from clean renewable sources.
Signage at the Airport is more energy efficient and helps customers to find their way easily. , SJC turned to the local firm Silicon Constellations for their thin-panel light modules. Three hundred of the sleek, double-sided signs were installed, netting more than a 70% energy reduction.