Tuesday is Green Day and since I am flying east to west coast very early courtesy of Virgin America on Thursday morning (April 28) from New York JFK to SFO (San Francisco International Airport) Terminal 2 or T2 which reopened after getting more than a fresh coat of paint, I thought I had to check SFO T2 green creds.
I could start by saying that Jerry Brown was there with Richard Branson for the ribbon cutting ceremony. It would fall short.
I swear I would have taken the train cross country just to be there for Hospice du Rhone in Paso Robles yet Amtrak did not call me.
They even seem to make it hard on you if you happened to fly into San Francisco and want to go to Paso Robles to use their services if the only option is bus service. Some train travel is requested.
Does Caltrain travel from the airport (SFO) to San Francisco qualify?
Maybe I should ask Pere Ubu?
Getting back to T2, here are some of its green attributes as spelled out by Virgin America:
SFO’s Terminal 2 renovation project focused on sustainability, giving you a new terminal that’s as green as it is beautiful. Check out T2’s sustainable design features:
LEED Gold Certification – The T2 Renovation Project is projected to achieve Gold Certification under the US Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program. The innovative sustainable elements will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by an estimated 1,667 tons per year.
Waste Reduction Program – Contractors recycled an impressive 90% of construction and demolition debris. Ongoing source separation of all recyclable solid waste will enable the attainment of 75% recycling by 2010 and 90% recycling by 2020.
Greenhouse Gas Mitigation Initiatives – T2’s design includes a number of measures to reduce the carbon footprint of the terminal, including Preconditioned (PC) Air and power supply to all aircraft, energy efficient lighting and efficient machinery, and reuse of substantial portions of the existing building.
Food offerings at Terminal 2 skip the fast/junk food syndrome and instead put the accent on fresh, local food, sustainable products and local talent including Acme Bread Company, Kara's Cupcakes, Equator Coffee, Cowgirl Creamery.
Paolo Luchesi gave a quick tour of food options in Now Open: SFO Terminal 2 (Inside Scoop SF, April 14)
I will share more details on food difference after I check it first hand.
I will be a guest of Virgin America on my trip from JFK to SFO and back.
How green is my travel for Green Day # 174
Previously: Smart Move, The New Motion offers Electric Car Eco-System in Holland