Stories & Features

Becoming the world's greenest airport

Back in November 2021, we featured a story about YVR successfully adapting its energy modeling when the pandemic reduced their passenger numbers by 70% during 2020.

Vancouver International Airport's (YVR) vision is to be 'the world's greenest airport'. They've partnered with BC Hydro for over 20 years to reduce the airport's energy use and carbon footprint by following strategic energy management (SEM) practices. Despite traffic increasing year over year, YVR achieved carbon neutrality in 2020 and launched its Roadmap to Net Zero Carbon by 2030, accelerating their original climate commitment by 20 years.

One of the first projects completed as part of the roadmap was upgrading more than 20,000 lights throughout the terminal with LED bulbs. BC Hydro partnered with YVR on the $1.5 million project, which is expected to achieve payback in just over three years. Electricity use is projected to drop by 2.8 gigawatt hours per year – the equivalent of powering 255 B.C. homes.

As YVR marks the five-year anniversary of the signing of its Sustainability and Friendship Agreement with Musqueam, YVR was proud to partner with Delta Tritec Group, a Musqueam owned and operated construction firm to complete the lighting upgrade.

Not only does the new LED lighting improve energy efficiency and help YVR advance their environmental goals, but it also provides enhanced ambient lighting for passengers and workers as they move throughout the terminal.

Hopefully you'll see the benefits of a brighter and more energy efficient YVR the next time you fly in or out of Vancouver. And when you do, here are a couple of tips to lower your carbon footprint as a passenger:

• When going to YVR, please consider using public transit
• When booking, choose direct flights to your destination where possible
• Consider purchasing carbon offsets for your flight through your airline

Are you planning an LED upgrade?

To find out more about energy efficient incentives for your facility, contact your Key Account Manager or Regional Energy Manager, or call 604 522 4713 in the Lower Mainland or 1 866 522 4713 elsewhere in B.C.