Fire Station #43 not only represents a modern approach to emergency response infrastructure but also underscores the City of Charlotte’s commitment to sustainability, energy efficiency, and the well-being of its first responders.
- Client: City of Charlotte
- Location: Charlotte, NC
- Size: 10,500 SF
- Delivery Method: Design-Bid-Build
- Certifications: USGBC LEED Version 4; ENERGY STAR
A New Benchmark for Resilient, Net-Zero Fire Facilities
Fire Station #43 in Charlotte is a next-generation station purpose-built to relieve call volume from neighboring firehouses while elevating the daily experience for first responders. Home to Engine 43 and Urban Search and Rescue 1, the 10,500 SF facility reflects deep collaboration with firefighters to deliver a highly functional, efficient, and health-conscious environment.
Innovative Design Features
Departing from previous standard CFD prototypes, Fire Station #43 introduces a strategic layout that places all day-and-night functions on one side of the apparatus bays. By clustering living, working, and support spaces around direct access to the bays, the design:
- Shortens response paths and improves situational awareness
- Simplifies building systems and eliminates the need for multiple HVAC zones
- Enhances comfort, maintainability, and long-term operating efficiency
This thoughtful organization supports both rapid response and day-to-day station operations, establishing a new internal standard for future CFD facilities.
Collaborative Efforts
Boomerang Design led a series of focused work sessions with a cross-section of City stakeholders—including CFD personnel, City Engineering and Property Management, Building Services, Energy and Sustainability teams, and IT Support—to shape the station’s operations and aesthetics. This collaborative approach ensures that every design move, from apparatus circulation to technology integration, directly supports how crews work, rest, and train.
Commitment to Sustainability
Fire Station #43 is a flagship project in the City of Charlotte’s Strategic Energy Action Plan, which commits to fully powering its fleet and facilities with 100% zero-carbon sources by 2030. The station incorporates a geothermal well field and a rooftop photovoltaic solar array to achieve net-zero energy use, earning both USGBC LEED v4 and ENERGY STAR certifications. These high-performance systems reduce operating costs, shrink the station’s carbon footprint, and create a more resilient, future-ready public safety asset.
Shaping the Future of CFD Facilities
Building on the success of Fire Station #43, the City has engaged Boomerang Design to assess 13 older fire stations and identify upgrades that bring them closer to this new benchmark for energy efficiency and operational excellence. A 2022 benchmarking report shows that 83% of fire stations have already improved their energy performance over previous years—evidence of a broader, sustained shift toward more sustainable, high-performing public infrastructure across Charlotte.
