Raleigh-Durham International Airport Project Achieves Envision Platinum

The Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority has earned Envision Platinum for its Park Economy 3 Expansion Project in recognition of significant efforts to generate social, environmental, and economic outcomes that benefit the broader community. This marks the third Envision verified project in North Carolina, but the first at the Platinum level and the first for an airport project in the state!

The Park Economy 3 Expansion Project expands an existing 3,820 space lot by approximately 7,000 additional spaces, while also adding solar-covered walkways, an advanced wayfinding design that enables visitors to quickly find open spots, an electric shuttle bus service to the terminals, and the incorporation of submerged gravel wetlands to manage stormwater.

While the surrounding region houses about two million residents, the Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) serves an even greater geographic region with travelers coming from across the state – and even from Virginia and South Carolina. Air travel at this facility has significantly rebounded following the COVID-19 pandemic and is expected to exceed the prior decade as the region’s population and economy continue to grow. This is creating increased demand for parking, especially as existing capacity diminishes to accommodate other capital development projects.

The Park Economy 3 Expansion Project is one of the first major capital improvement projects for the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority since publishing its new sustainability policy in February 2023. This policy established and formalized the commitment of the Authority to a sustainable future, including the application of a sustainable rating system to future capital development projects. This project team chose to use the Envision Sustainable Infrastructure Framework to guide positive impacts for the local community, provide tools for increased transparency and stakeholder collaboration, and highlight innovation and industry leadership.

The first phase of this project is expected to be completed by the end of 2025, with later phases finishing up into early 2026.