Today, Vancouver International Airport / Aéroport international de Vancouver (YVR) is celebrating two accolades for its commitment and leadership in climate action. Airports Going Green awarded YVR with an Honourable Mention for Outstanding Sustainability Program for the airport’s Roadmap to Net Zero and recognized former Director, Climate and Environment, Marion Town, with the James M. Crites Pioneer in Aviation Sustainability Award.
Airports Going Green is a forum led by the Chicago Department of Aviation and co-hosted by the American Association of Airport Executives. It brings together industry leaders and innovators, providing national and international airport and airline perspectives on sustainability.
YVR’s Roadmap to Net Zero was introduced in 2021 and balances innovative approaches with practical actions that will guide YVR to become net zero by 2030 and one of the world’s greenest airports.
“The recognition by Airports Going Green of our climate and sustainability priorities is very rewarding. I want to thank Marion for her leadership at YVR and within the industry. Over eight years at the Airport Authority, Marion’s expertise, innovative mindset and unwavering commitment to the environment has left a lasting mark on our organization, our airport, and our industry,” said Tamara Vrooman, President & CEO at Vancouver Airport Authority. “Together with our colleagues and business partners, we will continue to advance our climate goals and collaborate with all levels of government and across industries to decarbonize our sector.”
In addition to reducing emissions from its direct operations, YVR is also focused on supporting the decarbonization of aviation overall. This includes providing ground power units for airlines to plug into electric power at the gate and shut off engines, and using technology through YVR’s digital twin to monitor aircraft movements and map more efficient routing on its airfield to reduce carbon emissions.
The airport also recently partnered with the Port of Portland and Port of Seattle to share innovations and best practices to decarbonize aviation.
YVR’s leadership in carbon reduction was also recognized by Airports Council International through an Honourable Mention at the 2022 Environmental Achievement Awards and has earned YVR a Level 4+ Airport Carbon Accreditation, the highest level available, making YVR the first airport in Canada and one of only three in North America to achieve this status.