Aeroplex/Aerolease Group announced the first solar power project that will reduce carbon dioxide emissions and generate clean energy at Los Angeles’ Van Nuys Airport (VNY).
Consisting of approximately 4,000 panels spanning some 150,000 square feet, the roof-mount/canopy solar electric system will generate approximately 2.5 million kilowatts of electricity and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by more than 4 million pounds annually. The system’s environmental impact is the equivalent of planting 850 acres of trees and eliminating 6.5 million car miles. By providing power that would have been generated by conventional plants, the system is also projected to remove 791 asthma-inducing particulates, 12,863 pounds of nitrous oxide and 11,609 pounds of sulfur dioxide from the air per year.
“This is the first-ever solar installation at Van Nuys Airport that will help reduce its carbon footprint and demonstrate the aviation community’s commitment to environmental stewardship,” said Aeroplex/Aerolease Group CEO Curt Castagna. “There exists tremendous potential for airports across the nation to implement sustainable energy projects, and we hope to continue in these efforts by leading with this initiative.”
Scheduled to go live in fall 2017, this new clean energy project resulted from a successful partnership between Aeroplex/Aerolease Group and PCS Energy, the solar provider that leased the roof space and will install the solar panels. Under a power purchase agreement, PCS Energy will supply the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power with 100 percent of the energy produced for the next 20 years.
“Van Nuys Airport is pleased to collaborate with our tenants on public-private partnerships that advance sustainability at our airport facilities,” said VNY Airport Manager Flora Margheritis. “We commend Aeroplex/Aerolease Group for driving innovation, playing a key role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and helping to set the industry standard for sustainable design and operations.”
The installation of Aeroplex/Aerolease Group’s solar system follows Airport Council International’s recent designation of VNY as the first and only general aviation airport to hold a Level 2 Airport Carbon Accreditation for carbon management and reduction, with the ultimate goal of carbon neutrality. It marks a first step toward achieving VNY’s future emission reduction goals, which requires third-party engagement by airport tenants, users and operators.
