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Reducing Our Environmental Footprint
Construction and Remodeling Standards
Photo: Boeing Photo
Boeing's new 787 final assembly facility, under construction in North Charleston, S.C., will meet LEED Silver rating or higher by using the latest technologies in conserving energy and water.
In 2009, we adopted the standard that all new construction and major renovation projects at Boeing-owned buildings in the United States will conform to the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED Silver rating or higher.
LEED, or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, provides a rating system based on multiple factors including energy and water efficiency of buildings and the use of sustainable resources in construction.
Boeing’s recent renovation of our facilities in Kent, Wash., and Houston, Texas, were both certified as meeting the higher LEED Gold rating. By modernizing air-conditioning and heating systems, installing more efficient lighting and other actions, the Houston facility reduced annual electrical consumption by more than 2 million kilowatt-hours, enough to power about 170 American homes.
Charleston 787 Assembly Facility
In November 2009, Boeing broke ground in North Charleston, S.C., for a second facility to assemble and deliver the new 787 Dreamliner. Construction is currently in progress.
Construction of the new final assembly and delivery facility required the clearing and grading of about 150 acres (60 hectares) of forested land. Prior to grading, Boeing worked with The Nature Conservancy to identify and relocate selected trees and plant species. In addition, the company worked with a botanist from the College of Charleston to perform plant recovery and relocation for species uncommon to the area.
Approximately 30 percent of the trees removed from the site were used to produce lumber, and about 70 percent was reclaimed and used as biomass fuel sources. Our relationship with The Nature Conservancy continues as we work together to identify preferred plant species for our wetland development. In addition, Boeing invested $75,000 to fund reforestation projects elsewhere in South Carolina to offset the impact of clearing the land.
The expansion of the North Charleston facility is being designed to LEED Silver rating or higher. This includes installing dual-flush toilets, restrictive flow faucets and the latest technologies in heating and cooling systems to conserve water and electricity including laminate solar panels.
Boeing is working with the Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority to develop alternate commuting options for employees that can be implemented in 2010. Boeing teams in North Charleston also are exploring ways to design manufacturing processes to significantly minimize, or eliminate, the amount of solid waste sent to landfills.