RALEIGH, N.C. — A major milestone in sustainable infrastructure has been achieved at Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU), where the Park Economy 3 Expansion has officially earned Envision Platinum certification from the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure (ISI)—the highest recognition possible under the Envision framework.

Led by a joint venture between Balfour Beatty and Metcon, the project reflects an ambitious and collaborative approach to environmentally responsible design and construction. The expansion adds 7,000 parking spaces and sets a new precedent in airport development by integrating sustainability features that go beyond traditional practices.

“This prestigious certification represents our unwavering commitment to sustainable construction practices,” said Trent Johnson, operations director for Balfour Beatty in the Carolinas. “The collaboration between our team, the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority, and our project partners exemplifies how innovation and creativity can create infrastructure that balances operational needs with environmental responsibility.”

The project brought together expertise from RS&H, North Carolina State University, and the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality. Their input helped to shape the parking expansion into one of the most advanced and environmentally conscious infrastructure projects in the state.

Among its standout sustainable components:

• Solar energy integration via modern solar panel installations
• Electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure to support clean transportation
• Site planning designed to minimize environmental disruption
• The state's first submerged gravel wetland stormwater management system, which treats runoff with natural filtration processes

The Park Economy 3 Expansion is not only the first airport project in North Carolina to receive Envision certification but also the first in the state to achieve the coveted Platinum level. It’s only the third project of any kind in North Carolina to reach this tier, underscoring its significance as a benchmark in the region.

Michael Landguth, president and CEO of the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority, emphasized the broader impact of the effort. “We’re incredibly proud of this achievement and the innovative approach the entire team took toward incorporating sustainable practices into the project,” he said. “This Platinum certification demonstrates RDU’s commitment to growing responsibly while minimizing the impact on the environment. The Park Economy 3 Expansion will not only meet our travelers' needs, it also serves as a model for sustainable airport development across the country.”

The award highlights RDU’s vision to align airport growth with long-term sustainability goals and sets a national example for future airport infrastructure. The expansion is part of RDU’s broader Vision 2040 master plan, which includes a strong emphasis on environmental stewardship, passenger convenience, and forward-looking technologies.

Originally reported by Balfour Beatty.