Crossroads Aviation planned to break ground last month on an energy-saving multimillion-dollar “green” FBO building at Anoka County-Blaine Airport in Minneapolis. “It’s going to be the most green facility ever built in the United States,” said Rodney Botts, director of business development for the FBO.

The Crossroads FBO is currently operating from temporary buildings at Anoka County until the new terminal is completed in November. FBO features include a two-story office, 22,000-sq-ft hangar, AirBP fuel and NATA Safety 1st training for line personnel.

For Crossroads, going green means building an FBO that will minimize impact on the environment. Up to 85 percent of electricity requirements is generated by solar panels on the hangar roof. Inside the hangar, natural light is piped through solar-tube skylights. Hot water is produced by solar panels. On the second floor offices, heating and cooling is accomplished passively and lighting will also be natural. Visiting pilots can drive zero-emissions Honda Civic courtesy cars powered by compressed natural gas. Building a green FBO, Botts said, “costs a little bit more but in the long run it will pay off.” The return on investment should take just two to three years, he added.