Good News is Worth Sharing

June 12, 2025

RALEIGH, N.C. – Balfour Beatty, as part of the joint venture team with Metcon, proudly announces that the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority's Park Economy 3 Expansion project has earned Platinum Envision verification from the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure, the highest level of recognition for sustainable infrastructure development.

As the construction partner on this groundbreaking project, the Balfour Beatty and Metcon joint venture team collaborated with RS&H, North Carolina State University and the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality to implement innovative sustainability practices throughout the 7,000-space parking expansion.

"This prestigious certification represents our unwavering commitment to sustainable construction practices," said Trent Johnson, Balfour Beatty operations director in the Carolinas. "The collaboration between our team, the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority and our project partners exemplifies how innovation and creativity can create infrastructure that balances operational needs with environmental responsibility."

Key sustainable elements of the project include:

• State-of-the-art solar panels and electric vehicle charging infrastructure
• Carefully designed site plans to minimize environmental impacts on surrounding land
• North Carolina's first submerged gravel wetland stormwater management system

The Park Economy 3 project marks the third infrastructure development in North Carolina to receive Envision verification and the first to achieve Platinum status. It also represents the first airport project in the state to earn this distinguished certification.

"We're incredibly proud of this achievement and the innovative approach the entire team took toward incorporating sustainable practices into the project," said Michael Landguth, president and CEO of the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority. "This Platinum certification demonstrates RDU's commitment to growing responsibly while minimizing the impact on the environment. The Park Economy 3 Expansion will not only meet our travelers' needs, it also serves as a model for sustainable airport development across the country."