Houston Airport System executives accepted a check representing the cash incentives it earned in CenterPoint Energy’s SCORE Lite Market Transformation Program in 2013. The SCORE Lite Program provides cash incentives to help Houston-area organizations save energy and money.

The major central plant upgrades at George Bush Intercontinental Airport include constructing a LEED Platinum Control Building, replacing the aging cooling tower, replacing four chillers, and three steam boilers while installing 269 solar panels, and an ultra-low NOx burner.

“We’re proud to serve as an energy-efficient role model in the community,” said Samar Mukhopadhyay, chief development officer of planning, design and construction for Houston Airports.

The energy improvements will save 4,570,538 kilowatt-hours of energy annually, equal to the carbon dioxide emissions from the electricity use of 161 homes for one year, according to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency calculations.

“We’re proud of the accomplishments of the Houston Airport System and pleased to reward its efforts,” said CenterPoint Energy Program Manager Kristi Hardy.

The central plant upgrade positions the Houston Airports for future growth and energy savings, currently George Bush Intercontinental Airport serves more than 40 million passengers per year.