“Green” Hangar Opens in Burbank

Solar power, drought-resistant plants and recycled materials all contribute to Hangar 25 at Bob Hope Airport in Burbank, what its builder is calling the most sustainable aircraft hangar in the world. The hangar built by Shangri-La Construction was given Platinum LEED Certification, the highest rating from the U.S. Green Building Council. The building, which is powered by a solar array on the roof, plugs the aviation industry into the green market, said John Picard, a consultant on the project. “The doors have opened to the industry and now can ask, ‘What can we do next?'” Picard said. The building has a concrete floor that uses no chemical polymers, a hi-fog fire suppression system that reduces water usage and minimizes waste from fire damage, and bicycle racks to encourage employees to not drive to work. Shangri-La is in negotiations to construct a similar facility for Maguire Aviation at Van Nuys Airport.