Aeroterm O’Hare Express North

Chicago, IL

Aeroterm, O'Hare Express North, interior

Overview

The cargo facilities expansion project at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport is tailored to the operations of DHL Global Forwarding. This new freight-forwarding facility includes about half a million square feet of warehouse and office space, as well as a vehicle maintenance area and a watch tower. The facility is the largest DHL Global Forwarding site in North America, with an adjacent aircraft ramp that accommodates large aircraft such as the Boeing 747.

GBA provided LEED consulting (v2009), commissioning, and related energy efficiency services. Systems commissioned included mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems, as well as the building automation controls system.

LEED Consulting, Commissioning, and Energy Efficiency Services

  • Accessible and contiguous office mezzanine space improves efficiency and flexibility. The adaptive design gives office occupants a bird’s-eye view of related warehouse operations. Truck courts accommodate industry-standard 53-foot trailers. About 10,000 square feet of temperature-controlled space is available for life science and healthcare products that require precise conditions in transit.
  • Facilities are designed to segregate public access from secured areas.
  • GBA worked with design-build firm FCL Builders to provide LEED consulting, energy modeling, commissioning, and application for utility incentives through the ComEd New Construction program. Principles of the Chicago Department of Aviation’s Sustainable Airport Manual (SAM) were followed throughout the process.
  • Sustainable features include high-efficiency lighting and water fixtures, low-emitting finishes, native and drought-tolerant landscaping, bike parking, and accommodations for low-emitting and fuel-efficient vehicles.
  • ComEd awarded the project about $100,000 in new construction incentives.

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