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Power

To Cut Costs and Reduce Energy Use, SFO Intl Turned to SFPUC

SFPUC and SFO: A Partnership for Energy Savings
  • Donald Pollitt

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is soaring to new heights in sustainability, thanks to its collaboration with the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission's (SFPUC) Hetch Hetchy Power and the "Upgrade for Savings" program. By investing in energy-efficient technology, SFO is reducing energy use to meet its bold net zero energy 2030 goal and cutting operational costs. Here’s a closer look at how this partnership is enhancing airport’s facilities.
 
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Upgraded LED lights located in rental car parking garage at SFO Airport.
Upgraded LED lights located in rental car parking garage at SFO Airport.

Phase 1: Parking Garage Makeover

The first phase of the “Upgrade for Savings” program brought transformative changes to the 5-story parking garage at SFO’s Rental Car Center. By replacing over 2,000 outdated metal halide fixtures with advanced LED lighting, the project achieved a balance of improved lighting quality and energy efficiency. With a $150,000 incentive provided by SFPUC, the upgrade is projected to deliver annual energy savings of 1,561,960 kWh, helping SFO save $164,650 annually on electricity costs.

Phase 2: Quick Turn Around Area (QTA) Revamp

Building on the success of Phase 1, the second phase of upgrades focused on the Quick Turn Around Area (QTA) at the Rental Car Center, which encompasses car wash and repair spaces as well as an exterior parking lot. Outdated lighting in the QTA was replaced with over 500 energy efficient LED fixtures, improving visibility, safety, and lighting quality in these high-traffic areas. The project received a $150,000 incentive and is projected to deliver annual energy of 1,033,514 kWh, while saving SFO $108,950 annually.

A Brighter Future

The success of the "Upgrade for Savings" program at SFO’s Rental Car Center exemplifies how public utilities and critical service facilities, like airports, can collaborate to achieve meaningful environmental and economic benefits. By prioritizing energy efficiency and reducing operational costs, SFO continues to strive for new heights in airport sustainability worldwide.

Are you inspired by SFO’s achievements? You can learn more about SFPUC's financial incentives and technical support to help eligible, non-residential customers make significant upgrades to energy-efficient equipment, systems, and operational practices with Hetch Hetchy Power’s "Upgrade for Savings" program. Help us spread the word!