The New Terminal One at JFK, the company delivering the new, world-class international terminal at John F. Kennedy International Airport, recently announced the release of its inaugural Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) report, From the Ground Up, with support from SE Advisory Services, Schneider Electric’s global consulting practice. The report underscores the New Terminal One’s continued progress in building climate-resilient infrastructure, expanding energy efficiency initiatives, and investing in innovative technologies to support long-term sustainable airport operations.
The ESG report highlights key milestones across environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and governance as the New Terminal One advances construction toward its first phase opening in 2026. Central to these efforts is an innovative microgrid energy system – among the largest in the New York City area – and one of the largest solar arrays installed on any U.S. airport terminal. The energy infrastructure, designed and being delivered by AlphaStruxure and featuring Schneider Electric equipment, will enhance resiliency, reduce environmental impact, and support reliable operations amid regional grid disruptions and extreme weather events.
“As we build a transformational international travel experience in the United States, sustainability and resilience are not add-ons; they are foundational,” said Uzoamaka N. Okoye, Chief of Staff, The New Terminal One at JFK. “This ESG report also showcases our commitment to integrating innovation, energy efficiency and responsible development into every phase of the project, from construction through future operations.”
Designed to serve up to 23 million passengers annually upon full completion, the new terminal will span 2.6 million square feet across a 134-acre footprint at completion and represents a $9.5 billion investment. The New Terminal One is a key component of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s $19 billion transformation of JFK Airport into a world-class gateway, with two new terminals, two expanded and modernized terminals, a new ground transportation center and an entirely new, simplified roadway network. Once complete, the New Terminal One will feature 23 gates and support more than 10,000 jobs, including over 6,000 union construction positions throughout the life of the project.
Environmental progress detailed in the report includes:
- Development of a resilient, on-site microgrid energy system
- Deployment of all-electric ground support equipment as part of terminal operations
- Waste and water management strategies to reduce environmental footprint
- Progress toward LEED Gold certification for building design and construction
The New Terminal One has partnered with TCR, a global leader in ground support equipment (GSE) solutions, to provide an all-electric GSE fleet at the new world-class international gateway. The New Terminal One is the first airport terminal in the world to commit to a centralized fleet of all-electric ground support equipment. Operating a fully electric GSE fleet through an innovative pooling model is a key part of the New Terminal One’s sustainability strategy, which supports the Port Authority’s goal to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions across the agency’s airports and facilities by 2050.
The ESG report also outlines the New Terminal One’s role in supporting the local economy and community, including a $1.72 million investment in outreach programs focused on business development, education, workforce development, and environmental stewardship. Additionally, the organization has issued more than $3.9 billion in green bonds across 2024 and 2025 to finance sustainable infrastructure, supported by third-party verification to ensure transparency and accountability.
Schneider Electric has played a key role in enabling the New Terminal One’s energy and digital infrastructure strategy, helping embed digitalization across critical terminal systems – from passenger-facing technologies to operational and energy management platforms.
“JFK New Terminal One is setting a new benchmark for sustainable, future-ready airport infrastructure,” said Chris Collins, Senior Vice President, Digital Buildings, Schneider Electric. “Through innovation, electrification and resilient energy systems, New Terminal One shows how advancing energy technologies can help large-scale infrastructure reduce environmental impact and enhance operational reliability.”
With construction advancing and major systems coming online, the ESG report marks an important milestone on the New Terminal One’s roadmap to opening and ongoing operations. The full report offers a comprehensive snapshot of progress to date and outlines how each initiative supports the terminal’s broader climate and resilience goals.