Multiple RS&H Aviation Projects Receive Envision Sustainability Awards
[Jacksonville, Fla.] The employee-owned engineering, architecture and consulting firm RS&H recently earned Envision accolades for two aviation projects from the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure (ISI), underscoring the firm’s commitment to advancing environmentally responsible solutions.
The Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) was honored with the Envision Platinum Award for its Park Economy 3 (PE3) Expansion Project. This third-party verification is the highest level of Envision recognition and RS&H’s first platinum award of five Envision project awards. This project will expand public surface parking from 3,820 to approximately 11,000 spaces while integrating innovative sustainability practices. RS&H partnered with North Carolina State University as a subconsultant to study stormwater quality and management performance. This program provides training opportunities to local undergraduate and graduate students at the university. Courtney Gantt, ENV SP, the Envision Lead for the project, summarized the achievement, “This award represents years of diligent planning and environmental reviews, immense stakeholder and public engagement, close collaboration with research institutions and permitting agencies, and support from the design and construction teams to implement sustainable design features.” Key elements contributing to the award include the installation of solar panels to offset energy consumption, the construction of North Carolina’s first submerged gravel wetland stormwater management system at an airport, and the creation and implementation of RDU’s Environmental Compliance Review policy, the first of its kind for an airport in the United States. Additionally, the project generated an estimated 1,400 jobs and $288 million in economic impact, reflecting its environmental and economic value.
RS&H Project Manager John Holmes, PE, applauded the client and stakeholders, “This project underscores the power of collaboration and shared vision. Working hand-in-hand with our partners, we focused on understanding RDU’s unique needs to deliver a solution prioritizing resiliency and long-term success. It’s an honor to contribute to the airport’s future and their commitment to sustainability by leveraging our commitment to care, innovation, and teamwork.”
The Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport achieved Envision Verification for its state-of-the-art South Deicing Complex. RS&H led work under the ATL Sustainable Aviation Partners (ASAP) 2035 Joint Venture, a partnership between RS&H, Inc. and Corporate Environmental Risk Management, LLC. Spanning over 50 acres, the $147 million facility addresses Atlanta’s growing demand for deicing services while preserving operational efficiency. Sustainability played a crucial role in the project, which preserved a significant percentage of existing pavement, adhered to LEED Silver standards in its 14,000-square-foot operations building, and incorporated advanced glycol management systems to minimize environmental impact. “The South Deicing Facility’s Envision award celebrates a major environmental win—diverting deicing fluid from local waterways through smart, sustainable design,” said Megan Kilinski, ENV SP, the Envision Lead for the project. “It’s a powerful example of how infrastructure can protect our environment while supporting airport operations.”
John Lengel, PE, ENV SP, Vice President and National Discipline Lead, Env Stewardship & Resiliency, noted, “Both the PE3 and the South Deicing projects displayed incredible coordination, wit, and perseverance. It’s not an easy task, and I’m extremely proud of our clients and associates for pushing the limits of sustainable and resilient project delivery.”
The Envision Sustainable Infrastructure Framework is a sustainability framework used to document and improve sustainability efforts on civil infrastructure projects. The rating system supports improved environmental, social, and economic outcomes including reducing project carbon footprint, creating more resilient facilities and increasing equity and improving quality of life in host communities.
About RS&H
Employee-owned, RS&H is one of the nation’s leading architecture, engineering and consulting firms whose associates work hard every day to create a more connected future where everyone can thrive. We offer an exceptional journey from start to future for clients in the aerospace, aviation, corporate, federal, healthcare and science, and transportation markets. Our integrated teams translate experience into insight, turn challenges into opportunities and build relationships as strong as the buildings and infrastructure we deliver together.