The new terminal utilizes wind and solar energy, geothermal heating and cooling, plus other energy efficiencies ~ becoming the county's first LEED certified building. (LEED: Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) The terminal incorporates a number of advanced green technologies and incredible architectural features that tell the business traveler that they have arrived at a county that embraces technology while preserving the environment. Features include geothermal heating and cooling; photovoltaic panels on the roof to capture the sunlight and convert to electricity; wind spires that generate electrical power to help offset the costs of our utility charges; a living wall filled with tropical plants from around the world serving as an air purifier; an acrobatic bi-plane suspended from the ceiling; the original copy of our FAA Registration Certificate - No. 000001 - making us the first registered airport in the United States of America; a 1929 official certificate granting permission to hold the first air tour...signed by Orville Wright. In addition, parking spaces for electric and alternative fueled vehicles and a public viewing area are available. The airport has already become a very busy destination for school and college classes from around the county and region.

• How to Achieve LEED Status

Comparing utility charges for October, November, and December of 2009, (which predates the installation of our green technology) with the same three months - October, November, and December - of 2011, the Oakland County International Airport Terminal is operating at 44% greater efficiency. Translated into dollars, Oakland County International Airport's cost for utilities has dropped from .70 cents per square foot to .39 per square foot.

• Federal/State Aviation Grants
• EECBG (Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant from the U.S. Department of Energy)
• Airport User Fees

To arrange for group tours call 248-666-3900.

OCIA Field Trip Brochure

The terminal was dedicated on August 23, 2011 and staff began occupying the building on September 23. The building serves as the airport administrative office, houses both United States Customs offices and local law enforcement, as well as a conference center capable of holding up to 80 people.

In March 2012, the terminal achieved LEED Gold status by earning more than 40 rating points.