YEG achieves Level 3 carbon accreditation status

The Edmonton International Airport continues to make moves to reduce its carbon footprint. 

As a result of YEG's recent efforts, the airport has earned Level 3 status with the globally recognized Airports Council International (ACI) Airport Carbon Accreditation program. Achieving this new accreditation recognizes YEG's efforts in managing and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, while actively collaborating with external partners to accelerate the global airport industry's progress in climate change response.

Marion Chivot-Legris, YEG Director of ESG and Sustainability Strategy, says their work has demonstrated collaborative efforts between third parties, including airlines, tenants, and various service providers, as well as other businesses working on the airport campus. She notes some of their recent work in lowering carbon emissions. 

"We replaced over 18,000 light fixtures, and we have dedicated departments looking at all sustainability efforts, as well as our energy management program," said Chivot-Legris. "We've made a lot of progress on both infrastructure and collaboration. For example, we built a co-generation facility using natural gas, and we're now enhancing it to be even more efficient."

The airport has also completed a comprehensive Greenhouse Gas emissions inventory for all scopes, aligned with the GHG Protocol. Chivot-Legris says that despite their recent work in reaching Level 3 of the ACA program, there's a lot of work still to come.

"We're in the early planning stages of a rooftop solar project," said Chivot-Legris. "We're also continuously optimizing our building controls to cut down on energy use -- that's an ongoing effort for us." 

With an ambitious target to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, and a primary focus on the airport operations emissions, the airport says that they strive to continue embedding sustainability into every facet of its operations.

"Achieving ACA Level 3 is a significant milestone that reflects YEG's commitment to sustainability and climate action," said Myron Keehn, President and CEO, Edmonton International Airport. "Our airport city sustainability campus plays a vital role in shaping a more sustainable future for the aviation industry through innovation, collaboration, and clean technology."

YEG says it's committed to advancing carbon management initiatives, transparent data reporting, and strategic partner engagement.