KEY POINTS:
Auckland Airport's expanded international terminal will brighten NZ's clean, green reputation as visitors walk through an arrivals corridor powered by solar panels on its roof.
Airport chief executive Don Huse says the extended terminal incorporates several "green" features including the largest grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) solar display in New Zealand.
The 300sq m solar panel converts the sun's energy into electrical energy, used to power the arrivals corridor lights during the day.
Mr Huse says that provides an estimated energy generation equal to about the yearly energy use of three to four households.
The airport extension is also designed to make the best use of natural light with large windows.
In Pier B, which is under construction and due to be completed in October, an audio-visual display will include a roof camera beaming live footage of the day's weather conditions and the solar panels.
Mr Huse said screens would also show the power generated from the panels and the amount of CO2 being saved.
Five solar water-heating panels had also been installed on the roof to capture solar energy for preheating water in the hot water system.
"This solar energy services the public toilets on the first floor of the new arrivals area and is estimated to generate energy savings of approximately 15,000 kWh per year."
Mr Huse said six 25cu m storage tanks had been installed to store rainwater for use in the air-conditioning cooling towers. The building also incorporates high-efficiency chillers for air-conditioning, condensing boilers that reclaim heat from the duct, enhanced insulation levels and low-energy lighting systems and signs.
