Virgin unveils the country’s first green airport terminal.

Wednesday, Sir Richard Branson himself was on the scene at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to open the new, fully green $383 million terminal that will house both American and Virgin America airlines. The terminal will likely be the first in the United States to achieve gold LEED certification. (That’s not the only first: Virgin Galactic’s White Knight Two and SpaceShipOne made an appearance, as well. If you’re going to have a green terminal, it may as well debut with a spaceship.)

Global architecture firm Gensler remodeled Terminal 2, originally erected in 1954, thoughtfully – and under budget. The most significant change to the structure is the addition of more windows, lending a spacious, bright quality to the entire space. As Forbes reports, Gensler architect Melissa Mizell says that “the goal was to pair passenger delight with energy efficiency and water efficiency.”

The terminal uses a host of technologies to boost its green credibility, including low-flow faucets in the bathrooms and displacement ventilation systems for more efficient temperature regulation (the architects explain this should reduce power usage by at least 20%). There are also new spaces for art installations and play; partners in the project believe fliers will now enjoy the experience of visiting the airport. The space may be conscious in every way – art, check, green, check, retrofit vs. tear-down, check – but as Forbes points out, there’s no word on making the planes themselves more efficient.

Catch more pictures of the terminal, including art installations, at 7×7.

Images via: 7×7

The post Virgin America’s New Eco Luxe Terminal at SFO appeared first on EcoSalon.