In Long Beach, California, a significant step toward sustainability has been taken with the recent installment of two expansive solar canopy structures atop the parking facilities at Long Beach Airport (LGB), now operational and expected to satisfy about 70% of the airport's power needs, Mayor Rex Richardson announced in an Earth Day celebration.
During a gathering marking Earth Day, Richardson spoke on the city’s environmental initiatives, "By harnessing the power of the sun at our award-winning municipal airport, we are taking proactive steps to reduce our carbon footprint while ensuring operational resilience." He lauded the project as a watershed moment for a more sustainable future, according to a statement on the City of Long Beach's official website.
Councilwoman Megan Kerr of the Fifth District also emphasized the city’s commitment to renewable energy, remarking on the solar project's reflection of Long Beach’s proactive stance on addressing climate change. Brookfield company Luminance, the owner-operator of the solar canopies, swung a power purchase arrangement that covered the capital for the design, construction, and maintenance of the project, with only a minimal contribution of Cap-and-Trade funds from Assembly Bill 32 allocated for overhead costs.
"Our commitment to renewable energy is not just an investment in the present—it's a legacy we leave for generations to come," Councilman Daryl Supernaw of the Fourth District told the City of Long Beach's official website, emphasizing the long-term impact of these green investments.
LGB's solar canopies are the largest of 11 such projects across the city, with the remaining two slated to be operational by year's end. This initiative is aligned with the Airport Carbon Accreditation program, aiming to slash emissions relative to 2016 levels by 20% in 2025 and 40% by 2030. Airport Director Cynthia Guidry detailed the airport's proud integration of sustainable operations and their alignment with environmental goals to meet ACA emissions targets.
With the installation of the canopies, LGB is also enhancing passenger convenience by providing shaded parking only a short walk away from the airport’s ticketing lobby. "We are excited to announce the completion of the solar portfolio for the City of Long Beach," said Luminace CEO Brendon Quinlivan, pointing out the role such projects play in achieving the decarbonization goals of their customers across Southern California.
