Long Beach Airport (LGB) is reveling in the energy-efficient glow of its year-old solar canopies, which have produced over 3 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of clean energy since their installation, Long Beach officials report. Mayor Rex Richardson has lauded the project, noting, "Realizing the energy savings of these solar panels one year after installation marks a pivotal moment in LGB’s journey towards a greener, more sustainable future." The endeavor, aligning with the city's sustainability objectives, showcases a 10% reduction in Airport-controlled and purchased electricity usage compared to the previous year, and measures a 38% emissions decrease since 2016.
Representing a tangible stride towards renewable energy, the solar canopies situated atop Parking Structures A and B not only aid in Long Beach's environmental blueprint but also enhance the traveler experience with shading for parked vehicles; additionally the Citywide Solar Project, which is behind the energy innovation at LGB, has extended similar solar systems to 11 other City facilities providing sweeping benefits to the municipal infrastructure and according to Fifth District Councilwoman Megan Kerr, "In just one year, we are delivering substantial results." The investment in clean energy is part of the city's larger eco-conscious blueprint, embracing an eco-friendly future in a resilient Long Beach while reaping the environmental and economic dividends, an effort praised by Airport Director Cynthia Guidry as an exhibition of LGB's dedication to "innovation and environmental responsibility."
Managed by the Department of Public Works, the Citywide Solar Project features Luminace, a Brookfield company, as the owner and operator of these installations that span nearly 133,000 square feet of rooftop space, a significant coverage when quantifying the potential environmental offsets, for instance, the equivalent annual energy use of 291 homes has been offset by just this project alone. LGB, traditionally known as America's coolest airport™, continues to underpin not just efficiency but also a customer-focused philosophy apparent in their portfolio of airline service, providing nonstop flights to 22 destinations and countless cities globally through one-stop services.
