DALLAS-FT.WORTH — The Alliance to Save Energy, a U.S. energy conservation group, recently presented the “Star of Energy Efficiency” award to the DFW International Airport for its work in reducing energy consumption and air pollution, and making North Texas a “greener” place to live and visit. The Airport’s “green” efforts include operational improvements to the vehicle fleet, Energy Plaza (utility plant), Rent-A-Car facility, and Terminal B. The DFW International Airport Board was selected as a Star of Energy Efficiency recipient for its “aggressive pursuit and commitment to the efficient and environmentally-friendly use of energy.” DFW is the first airport to be recognized for this honor. Significant upgrades were made to DFW’s Energy Plaza, including replacing the chillers, boilers, automated controls, and installing a new six million gallon thermal energy storage system to lower energy consumption during the afternoon hours when energy costs are higher. The initiative will save the Airport approximately $300,000 annually. A detailed energy assessment was completed in the 675,000-square-foot Terminal B with a 2002 Department of Energy Rebuild America grant. A Texas A&M Energy Systems Laboratory report identified operational and lighting improvements representing a 17 percent energy reduction. A second grant was then used to conduct an extensive continuous commissioning effort in the Rent- A-Car Facility with similar results.