The American Airlines Terminal occupies approximately one fourth of the terminal area at theDallas/Fort Worth Airport, the world's largest. The American Airlines Terminal ConcourseLevel stretches for about one half mile, with crew member facilities one level below and abaggage tunnel one level below that. In addition, a level above the concourse provides spacefor mechanical and electrical equipment and areas for executive offices and passenger lounge.

The building's mechanical and electrical systems were designed pre-energy crisis, but didinclude definite plans for energy conservation. When the Airport opened in January of 1974amid the Arab oil embargo, energy conservation was destined to become an important factor tothe operating personnel. As prices of fuel began to influence the cost of heating and coolingenergy and electric energy for the Terminal, American Airlines became more aware of the needfor energy conservation.

In February of 1975, thirteen months after the Airport opened, consulting engineers andoperating personnel were challenged to recommend and implement any changes that would effectivelyreduce energy consumption.

The comparisons made in this paper omit the first three and one half months of operationof the new facility. This allowed time to solve the typical facility start-up difficulties.