In August 2023, Suffolk broke ground on an electric Central Utility Plant (eCUP) at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), a pioneering project that DFW leaders see as key to their goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2030. The eCUP will replace the existing natural gas-powered plant with a more efficient facility fueled by electricity purchased entirely from renewable sources, drastically reducing the environmental impact of the world’s third-busiest airport.

DFW is a hub for more than 80 million passengers annually and a vital gateway for international travel. It was the first airport in North America to achieve carbon-neutral status in 2016 and remains committed to further reducing its carbon footprint. Building the eCUP is a key part of this vision, ensuring that DFW can expand its infrastructure while remaining environmentally responsible. Alongside this effort, Suffolk is completing upgrades to the heating system and preparing for on-site power and microgrid technologies to safeguard against potential outages, a concern for many major airports around the globe.

The project is expected to significantly cut carbon emissions, amounting to an estimated 33 metric tons of carbon dioxide diverted annually. Thanks to the construction of a new hot water piping system to replace the airport’s aging steam infrastructure, water usage will decrease by 29 percent. To complete this complex scope safely and efficiently, Suffolk has leveraged several innovative technology solutions on site, including DroneDeploy, HexagonCap, Eyrus and Weavix.

This transformative project positions DFW as a leader in airport sustainability and supports local job growth. Our Dallas-based team and national Aviation & Transportation Center of Excellence team are honored to provide construction services for the project. With the backing of federal infrastructure funding and a commitment to long-term energy resilience, DFW’s eCUP stands as a model for future large-scale sustainable infrastructure projects.