$150 Million Project Will Save Energy at Airports

The state’s airports are about to undergo a green transformation.

A $150 million project will install 9,100 photovoltaic panels and replace 372 transformers and 74,500 light fixtures. It will also upgrade or replace chilled water and air conditioning systems, install “smart” controls, and reinstate deferred maintenance such as roof repairs to accommodate the upgrades.

The project is expected to cut energy use at airport facilities by 49%, saving at least $518 million over the next 20 years, the Department of Transportation said in a press release.

 “DOT will make a large impact since the state airports system is the third largest consumer of electricity in Hawaii,” said DOT Director Glenn M. Okimoto. “This project will save the state millions of dollars and it will serve as a model for other state agencies.”

Johnson Controls is the contractor for the project, which was financed through the sale of municipal bonds.