Celebrating Environmental Excellence on Sea Island

A sustainable society is built on meaningful commitments and concrete actions. At the Vancouver Airport Authority (YVR), we are proud to celebrate progress toward a cleaner, greener Sea Island. Through our annual YVR Green Excellence Award, we recognize local businesses for their exceptional efforts in reducing environmental impacts.

Since 2011, YVR has honored initiatives that range from cutting carbon emissions and reducing waste to improving water use efficiency and supporting local ecosystems. This year, we are excited to announce the 2024 YVR Green Excellence Award winners: Fairmont Vancouver Airport and Purolator Inc.

Both companies have demonstrated long-standing dedication to environmental stewardship and community involvement, making them key partners on our journey toward net zero emissions by 2030.

The awards were presented by YVR's Director of Climate and Environment, Wendy Avis, alongside VP and Chief External Affairs Officer, Mike McNaney, who emphasized the importance of the winners' year-round efforts. McNaney praised the commitments each organization has made, not only to reducing environmental impacts but also to engaging and educating their teams, fostering a more sustainable future for the airport community and beyond.

Award Categories and Winners

Environmental Stewardship Award: Purolator Inc.

Purolator was recognized for the strides taken in reducing greenhouse gas emissions through the electrification of its fleet. This year, the company added 53 electric vehicles, bringing the total to 58 out of 122 vehicles, with plans for further expansion. As part of their long-term commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2050, Purolator continues to invest in clean fuels and innovative low-carbon solutions.

Community Eco-Champion Award: Fairmont Vancouver Airport

Fairmont Vancouver Airport was honored for its efforts to foster sustainability and community engagement. This year, the hotel collected over 50 lbs. of waste materials from YVR loading docks and McDonald Beach and hosted a community thrift shop to promote the circular economy. The Fairmont sustainability team remains actively engaged, sharing creative solutions for tackling environmental challenges across Sea Island.

Congratulations to our 2024 winners! We extend our sincere gratitude to all businesses that submitted nominations. Together with the Sea Island business community, YVR looks forward to continuing our collective efforts to reduce environmental impacts and create a more sustainable future.