FedEx Express has opened a new package sorting center at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport that features the largest continuous vegetated roof of any airport in the U.S. The roof is approximately 175,000 square feet long—roughly the length of three football fields.

In addition to its dimensions, the roof is known for its environmental friendliness as it decreases air pollution and storm water runoff. At the same time, the roof will also diminish airport noise and reduce energy costs by nearly 35 percent each year.

“The cooperative effort between FedEx and the Chicago Department of Aviation’s O’Hare Modernization Program (OMP) is a prime example of how to immediately reduce the environmental impact of airports and create value for business and for the community,” says Don Colvin, VP, properties and facilities at FedEx Express.

FedEx and the OMP are currently pursuing Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification for the center. The organization is hoping to acquire certification for all FedEx Express properties that have recently been opened throughout the U.S. wt