Net Zero 2030
Boldly Pursuing a Greener and More Resilient Future
YVR is leading the way in decarbonizing aviation
At YVR, we are driven by our purpose to serve our community and the economy that supports it. As we work to deliver on this purpose, we are looking ahead with a heightened sense of responsibility to reduce the impact of our operations on the environment and take a leadership role in shaping a greener and more resilient future.
As of 2020, YVR is a carbon neutral airport. By 2030, we’ve set our sights on being net zero. This commitment reflects our plan to reduce the emissions we produce and are responsible for in the operation of our airport.
Green Our Fleets
Investing in electric vehicles while also right sizing them to match operational requirements & switching to renewable fuels for heavier equipment.
Closing The Gap
Investing in carbon offsets and carbon removals for the emissions that remain.
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.
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.
Leading the way in decarbonizing aviation
Electrifying Our Airport
YVR is modernizing EV charging infrastructure for both our fleet of electric airside vehicles and for passengers. Additionally, we employ the use of a specialized, battery-powered de-icing truck and electric buses to carry out day-to-day operations on our airfield.
Advancing thermal energy solutions
YVR is building one of Canada’s largest geoexchange systems to harness the earth’s own heating and cooling properties, backed by high-efficiency boilers using renewable natural gas.
Converting to renewable fuels
YVR is leading the charge on advancing the sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) industry by uniting industry leaders to explore a supply chain for made-in-British Columbia SAF. We are also utilizing renewable fuels such as hydrogen and renewable diesel in vehicles that don’t have electric alternatives.
Upgrading our water systems
YVR is using solar thermal collectors to heat water and is one of the first organizations in B.C. to upgrade natural gas heaters to efficient heat pumps, making 100% of the water heating in the main terminal electric.
Lighting a brighter future
With the use of energy storing flywheels, YVR’s airfield lighting systems are powered with electricity rather than diesel. We’ve also replaced thousands of lights across the terminal with energy-efficient LED equivalents.