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Toward A Greener Gander Airport
As of August 1st, Gander International Airport (CYQX) is North America's first Carbon Neutral airport.
The Gander International Airport Authority (GIAA) and its tenant companies are implementing a comprehensive carbon emissions reduction program that involves a number of infrastructure and employee initiatives. The remaining emissions have been reduced by the purchase of carbon offsets through The CarbonNeutral Company®, the world's leading carbon offset and climate consulting business. The GIAA has invested in green energy projects in Europe and Asia.
In early 2008, the Gander International Airport Authority engaged InterVISTAS Consulting to quantify its annual greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The airport authority has set a goal of reducing its carbon emissions by 33% by 2020.
The airport has engaged an energy engineer to recommend the adoption of renewable next generation energy systems that will reduce emissions and cost.
The airport has formed a Green Committee, comprised of airport workers, partners and tenants, to implement a green culture and practices at the airport, including reducing paper consumption, a procurement policy that gives preference to green vendors, reducing electricity use, more comprehensive recycling, anti-idling policies, energy retrofits. A carbon neutral culture will become an intrinsic part of Gander International Airport's workplace culture, operations and planning.
Gander International Airport is among airports around the world that are signatories to the 2008 Aviation and Environment Summit Declaration, which commits to carbon-neutral growth and a carbon-free future.
Aviation is responsible for an estimated 2% of global carbon dioxide emissions. The best estimate of aviation's climate change impact is about 3.5% of the total contribution by human activities.
Our Green Commitment
Concern for the environment, and progressive practices to protect the planet, will become an intrinsic part of our workplace culture, operations and planning. We commit to ongoing investment and auditing of our Greenhouse Gas Emissions with the aim of maintaining carbon neutrality.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CarbonNeutral®?
There are many loose claims around 'carbon neutral'. The CarbonNeutral® brand signifies a specific claim, with the parameters of the carbon footprint defined by a standard, The CarbonNeutral Protocol. The brand mark is awarded when CO2 emissions are reduced to net zero in accordance with The CarbonNeutral Protocol.
What does the 'carbon footprint' include?
It signifies the emissions associated with energy consumption, commuting, business travel, company vehicles and head office that have been calculated in accordance with the WRI/WBCSD GHG protocol. An equal number of carbon credits have been purchased on behalf of Gander International Airport to neutralize these emissions.
How is net zero CO2 achieved?
Normally net zero CO2 is achieved though a mix of 'internal' and 'external' reductions. Internal reductions cover the CO2 which is cut by changing, for example, processes, systems, and behavior. External reductions (or 'carbon offsetting') are reductions we make happen outside of our business. The way it works is that for every one tonne of CO2 we produce, we pay for an equivalent one tonne of CO2 to be saved through a projects somewhere else in the world - like swapping kerosene in remote areas of India for 'clean' solar panels. One tonne 'offsets' the other. The carbon offsetting is organized by The CarbonNeutral Company.
What is Gander International Airport Authority's Carbon Footprint?
The Gander International Airport produces 2,366.9 metric tones of carbon annually.
What is the main source of Gander International Airport Authority Carbon Emissions?
The main source of emissions is energy consumption, this includes furnace oil heating of the buildings, and fuel burned in the mobile vehicle fleet.
What airport components are included under "company activities" when you calculate your carbon emissions?
The GIAA has used the "control approach" to account for 100% of greenhouse gas emissions from operations over which GIAA has control including:
" GIAA corporate operations
" Operations and maintenance for airfield and infrastructure
" Emergency response emissions
" Terminal building and building construction
" Employee travel and work activities
Is anything excluded from the program?
Greenhouse gas emissions excluded from the GIAA inventory are:
" Aircraft movements, given the GIAA does not have operational control
" Vehicles not owned by GIAA over which the airport does not have control of use
What projects are Gander International Airport Authority investing in to offset their carbon emissions?
Specifically, the airport's investments will go to the Sebenoba Wind Power Project in Turkey, the Rhine-Ruhr Waste Gas Power Project in Germany and the Sichuan Hydro Power Project in southern China.
Flying Green
There are many choices passengers can make to reduce their carbon footprint.
Pack Light. The more additional weight on an aircraft, the more fuel it consumes. By lightening your luggage, you reduce luggage hassles and reduce your carbon footprint. An aircraft can save 34,000 litres of fuel per year for each kilogramme less in weight per seat.
Offset your imprint. Many airlines now sell carbon offsets to passengers who wish to voluntarily offset their emissions. Air Canada has partnered with Zerofootprint. For more information on their program, click here.
Ditch the paper. Electronic ticketing eliminates the need for a printed ticket and reduces the quantity of paper used.
Airport waste and recycling. Use the recycling bins available in our terminal for your recyclables.
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