Sea-Tac Meets Governor's Challenge, Reduces Electric Use by More Than 10%

Airport saves 10.8% through escalator modifications, other techniques

(Seattle)-- Port of Seattle electricians and other staff members have identified ways to reduce energy consumption at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport by 10.8%. The effort came in response to Governor Gary Locke's call for a 10% reduction in energy use in public buildings.

"This is clearly a crisis for our region and we knew we could make a difference," said Port of Seattle Chief Executive Officer Mic Dinsmore. "By cutting back usage we also will be able to reduce our energy bill, which has risen dramatically."

The airport's first step was to shut off little-used escalators in remote parts of the terminal.

"Shutting off escalators might have some impact on customer service, but it's the best way to reduce consumption immediately," said Gina Marie Lindsey, Managing Director of Aviation for the Port of Seattle. "We think travelers will understand the need for this step."

Over the next few weeks, the Port will install devices that allow escalators to resume full time operation with greatly reduced electrical consumption. New load sensors can tell how many people are on an escalator, and adjust the power. Currently, if escalators are running they draw full power even if no one is on board.

"We can cut power consumption of the escalators by more than 30% with these load-sensing devices," said Michael Feldman, Director of Aviation Facilities for the airport. "With 88 escalators in the airport, the potential savings are phenomenal."

The 10.8% reduction will save Sea-Tac at least $5 million in the first year. At current rates, 2001 electricity costs could exceed $52 million. The airport's annual budget, which was approved in November, allocated $8 million for electricity costs.

The Port has taken other steps to reduce electric consumption during the current crisis:

Incandescent lights are being replaced with fluorescent bulbs.
Staff are turning off desk lights, computers and monitors at night.
Lighting in little-used areas has been reduced to the safe minimum.
One of the airport's three subway trains has been placed in an "on-call" mode, and only operates when there are passengers aboard. Previously the train ran continuously.
The airport will install photocells in work areas near windows. The photocells will determine when ambient light makes artificial lighting unnecessary and turn off nearby lights.

Travelers might also notice that the terminal building will be warmer than in the past. Because of all the people and equipment in the building, the terminal has to be cooled even when outside temperatures dip into the teens. The amount of cooling has been reduced to save energy, which means the building will actually be warmer.

"We should have most of the changes implemented in a few days. The remainder will occur in just a couple weeks," said Feldman. "Then, we'll start looking for additional techniques that could get us to 15% or even more."