Airport Innovation

Portland International Airport - New Terminal Renovation

Portland, OR

Energy Reduction

50%

Compared to Existing Terminal

Fuel Reduction

95%

Fossil Fuel Use

Certification

LEED Gold

V4.1 BD+C Rating

Project Facts

Location
Portland, OR

Project Type
Airport

Energy Consultant
Kyle Garske

Key Results

Led whole-building energy modeling for 860,000 SF terminal renovation operating 24/7
Modeled innovative groundwater-source heat pump system using existing aquifer for heating and cooling
Conducted computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis for large-volume terminal spaces under the mass timber roof
Analyzed daylighting strategies through the 9-acre wood and glass roof system. 60% of the terminal is naturally daylit and 100% of the wood is sourced within a 300 mile radius
Evaluated multiple HVAC zoning strategies for diverse program areas (ticketing, retail, dining, security screening)
Supported MEP design team with energy analysis for system sizing and optimization decisions
Coordinated with structural and architectural teams on envelope performance for seismically isolated building

Project Overview

The Terminal Core Redevelopment (TCORE) is the centerpiece of PDX Next, a transformative $2 billion program modernizing Portland International Airport to serve 34 million annual passengers by 2045. This project completely remodeled the main terminal while maintaining 24/7 airport operations—doubling the size of the ticketing and lobby area, installing a stunning 9-acre mass timber roof, and implementing one of the most ambitious groundwater heat pump systems in North America.

As lead energy modeler for PAE Engineers from 2015 to 2020, I guided the energy performance strategy for this complex project through all design phases. My work modeling the innovative groundwater-source heat pump system which reduced fossil fuel use by 95%, eliminating nearly all natural gas heating and dramatically reducing the airport's carbon footprint. I conducted CFD analysis for the massive terminal spaces which was critical to achieving the project's goal of 50% energy reduction per square foot while nearly doubling the building size. The project is targeting LEED Gold certification with strong performance in the Energy & Atmosphere category, positioning PDX as a leader in sustainable airport design.