Denver International Airport’s Fire Station 35 Earns LEED Gold Certification

Denver International Airport (DEN) announced Aug. 25, that Fire Station 35, the newest on-airport fire station, has earned gold certification under the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program. This prestigious designation makes Fire Station 35 one of only six LEED Gold certified fire stations in Colorado, and only the second fire station in Denver to achieve this level of sustainable design.

Fire Station 35 features an advanced energy-efficient design resulting in the station being 48 percent more energy efficient than a typical fire station designed to building code. Construction on Fire Station 35 utilized more than 50 percent Forest Stewardship Council certified wood, as well as other low-emitting construction materials. These materials do not release harmful chemicals and simultaneously help reduce indoor pollutant sources and levels of indoor contaminants.

Additionally, more than 50 percent of construction waste materials were recycled or salvaged. The structure also features water systems designed to save 40 percent of total indoor potable water usage compared to a typical building of similar size and use. The building incorporates native vegetation and planned xeriscaping, exceeding local zoning requirements for green space by 50 percent, for a total of nearly 27,500 square feet of vegetated open space. Parking at the site includes designated spaces that prioritize low-emitting or fuel efficient vehicles. The structure also features an advanced roof designed to reduce “heat effect” on the surrounding environment. Materials used in the roof reflect a high percentage of solar heat as opposed to absorbing it, minimizing the amount of necessary cooling and water usage. The design also included an energy-efficient LED lighting system and advanced lighting controls throughout the building.

“Denver International Airport is committed to investing in sustainability when we construct new facilities, and the unique design of Fire Station 35 allows the airport to meet its obligations for protecting passengers and property while integrating sustainable technologies to improve efficiency and reduce operating costs,” said Scott Morrissey, DEN’s senior director for sustainability.