Carbon Reduction

At YVR, we are focused on reducing emissions from our operations. As of 2020, YVR is a carbon neutral airport. By 2030, we’ve set our sights on being net-zero.

In 2020, we achieved carbon neutrality with the purchase of carbon offsets for our direct, indirect, and corporate travel emissions from the Darkwoods Forest Offset Project, located in BC.

Looking ahead, we’ve made the bold commitment to become net zero carbon by 2030. This commitment reflects our plan to reduce the emissions we produce and are responsible for in the operation of the airport.

Our Roadmap to Net Zero Carbon will guide us through to 2030 to ensure we achieve our net zero target. Specifically, our roadmap outlines four decarbonization pathways that are necessary for us to reduce emissions from our operations, referred to as Scope 1 and 2 emissions. The four decarbonization pathways that are required are:

1. Green our fleets     

    Investing in electric vehicles while also right sizing them to match operational requirements & switching to renewable fuels for heavier equipment.

2. Building energy conservation and electrification

   Meeting operational requirements more efficiently and using less energy for heating/cooling, cooking, lighting and other electrical loads. Switching from natural gas to electricity where possible.

3. Replacing fossil fuels with renewable alternatives

   Investing in 100% green electricity and on-site solar, supporting green kitchens, securing renewable natural gas for heating/cooking, and purchasing renewable diesel for generators. 

4. Closing the gap

   Investment in carbon offsets and carbon removals for the emissions that remain.

Our roadmap also leaves room for new capabilities and operational efficiencies that will be realized through emerging clean technology and YVR’s Digital Twin—a replica of our physical assets, processes and services and part of our broader Innovation Hub. 

While we do not have direct control over emissions from outside of our operations—those of our airlines and the airport community—we recognize that we must also support all partners in reducing their emissions. This collective effort will drive performance and sustainability across our supply chain, which ultimately benefits our industry as well as our community and the surrounding environment. Some of the initiatives underway to support carbon reductions across the airport community include: 

• Supporting the development of an ongoing supply of low carbon aviation fuel at YVR through our leadership in BioPortYVR
• Providing ground power units to enable crews to shut down aircraft engines and plug into BC’s clean electricity, supported by an Auxiliary Power Unit Shutdown Procedure for airlines.
• Investing in airside charging stations to support the uptake of electric ground support equipment and vehicles
• Supporting tenant energy conservation through our EnergyWise@YVR program which provides tenants with a complimentary energy audit and connects them to BC Hydro and Fortis BC rebates

We are also pleased to share our Roadmap to Net Zero Carbon 2030 with business and industry as they look to find ways to decarbonize. Through collaboration, YVR and our partners will advance ideas and action that will result in lasting solutions for reducing emissions and creating a greener future. Please reach out to our team at [email protected].

YVR’s Carbon Accreditation:

YVR became carbon accredited through Airports Council International (ACI) and its Carbon Accreditation program in 2016. In 2021, YVR was the first airport in Canada to achieve Neutrality (Level 4) Carbon Accreditation from ACI, recognizing our efforts to be a leader in sustainability.

Learn more about our progress with reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving energy efficiency in our Annual and Sustainability Report.