GLOBAL AVIATION TRAINING CENTER PHASE II
UNITED PARCEL SERVICE
Louisville, KY
As the logistics and aviation industries evolve, so must the infrastructure supporting them.
To meet increasing demand for pilot training,
UPS expanded its Global Aviation Training Center (GATC) in Louisville. This $78 million, 32,000-square-foot expansion, completed in December 2023, added classrooms, office space, and advanced full-motion simulators, bringing the facility’s total simulator count to ten. The investment strengthens UPS’s role as a global leader in aviation logistics while reinforcing Louisville’s position as a hub for skilled aviation talent.
THE PROJECT
UPS set ambitious goals for the energy efficiency, indoor air quality, and longterm facility performance of the expansion. The training center would need to operate intensively while still meeting sustainability benchmarks.
Paladin was engaged to provide comprehensive sustainability consulting services for the Phase II expansion, which included Green Globes Certification support for Phase I and II and commissioning for the expanded facility, encompassing a total of approximately 57,000 square feet.
THE WORK
SUSTAINABILITY
Paladin guided the sustainability strategy for both Phase I and II of the project, earning One Green Globes Certification , a significant achievement for a technically complex building with high energy demands.
Rather than a checklist approach, Paladin leveraged the Green Globes framework to guide highimpact, performance-driven decisions, including:
1. Facilitating a Green Globes Planning Charrette to identify where interventions would deliver the most value.
2. Coordinating documentation across all teams to avoid missed opportunities and ensure data integrity.
above: The UPS WorldPort runway is rendered in the flight simulator for an Airbus A300-600.
left: Level D full-flight simulator for an Airbus A300 at UPS WorldPort.
above: Paladin verified routed piping and mechanical systems.
above right: Verified during commissioning: chilled water and HVAC systems installed and ready to perform.
below right: TPaladin verified all rooftop equipment including this air-cooled chiller.
3. Providing ongoing technical reviews to align mechanical and lighting systems with certification goals without compromising training functionality.
The approach proved successful, with the project earning top marks in areas that directly impact occupant comfort and operational efficiency , which are essential for a facility that operates around the clock and supports large numbers of staff and trainees.
COMMISSIONING
Paladin’s commissioning process, aligned with ASHRAE Guideline 0 , was central to verifying that the building’s systems performed as designed. We developed
comprehensive Owner Project Requirements (OPR) to ensure that energy systems, controls, and ventilation met UPS’s operational needs from day one.
Key activities included:
1. Full-scope functional testing of HVAC, electrical, and domestic hot water systems.
2. Collaborative design reviews to flag performance gaps early.
3. Training UPS staff on optimized system operation to reduce downtime and maximize value from day-to-day operations.
THE IMPACT
The Global Aviation Training Center earned top Green Globes scores in three performance-critical areas: Lighting, Heating & Cooling, and Indoor Environmental Quality, each a direct result of Paladin’s strategic planning, system verification, and hands-on coordination.
1. Lighting: The project achieved a perfect score across all Green Globes lighting categories, from optimized power density to fully automated shutoff and reduction controls. With our guidance, the design prioritized energy savings without sacrificing usability. The energy saved through efficient lighting is enough to power more than 100 average U.S. homes for a year . Meanwhile, improved visibility reduces eye strain for simulator users, and smarter fixtures reduce maintenance needs and operational interruptions.
top: Paladin ensured building systems, from high-bay HVAC to lighting and controls, were fully tested and optimized.
above: UPS cuts the ribbon on its simulator expansion.
2. Heating & Cooling: Paladin’s commissioning and valueengineering efforts contributed to a perfect 28/28 score in Heating and Cooling, including full credit for systems with zero ozone-depleting potential. The emissions avoided are equivalent to removing nearly 80 cars from the road each year , helping UPS meet its sustainability goals without compromising indoor conditions for pilots or staff.
3. Indoor Environmental Quality: As a result of Paladin’s system reviews, functional testing, and long-term planning support, the project scored nearly perfect marks across all indoor air quality metrics, from ventilation to pollutant control. The building delivers clean, balanced air comparable to healthcare or lab environments . Better air quality enhances focus, reduces illness risk, and protects long-term system performance.
By translating sustainability goals into operational wins, Paladin helped UPS build a durable, healthy, and highperforming training center that supports nonstop training operations while reducing long-term costs and environmental footprint.
ABOUT US
We coined Game changer in building systems TM because of our solid commitment to your building’s potential. Founded in 1986, Paladin is a woman-owned business that harnessed our engineering roots to deliver strategic commissioning, sustainability, and directto-owner engineering services for new and existing facilities.
The Paladin difference is a team that tells you the truth with good intent allowing you to leave status quo behind.
As paladins, we support your project, defend your goals, and champion your building’s success.
We are committed to reducing carbon emissions in every project by more than 10% through operational improvements, embodied carbon awareness, and properly operating systems.
