From ground to sky: four sustainability actions at YVR
At YVR, sustainability is more than a goal, it’s a mindset that guides how we operate, plan, and partner every day. As we mark World Environment Day, we’re proud to share four ways we’re working to create a cleaner, more sustainable future for air travel and the communities we serve.
From reducing emissions on the ground and in the air to future-proofing our infrastructure, here’s how YVR is contributing to a more sustainable planet:
1. Powering a low-carbon future for aviation
We’re helping lead the transition to cleaner fuels. In 2023, YVR developed a Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Strategy focused on market development, adoption, and long-term production. Building on this work, we launched the BC Low Carbon Jet Fuel Incentive Program in 2024 to stimulate early SAF uptake and we partnered with the Province of BC on a SAF Opportunity Study to explore how to promote BC-based SAF production.
To reduce emissions on the ground, we’ve expanded the use of ground power units (GPUs), allowing aircraft to plug into B.C.'s clean electricity while at the gate, and invested in electric vehicle charging stations for airside ground support.
We’re also advancing the YVR Energy Strategy to support the aviation industry’s goal of net zero emissions by 2050. As part of this, we established the YVR Energy Advisory Council in 2024—a group of six independent experts who are guiding our approach to future energy solutions for aviation and infrastructure. The Council will produce a report outlining the key actions needed to support our long-term energy and emissions goals.
2. Building climate resilience into our infrastructure
Preparing for the impacts of climate change is a key part of our sustainability approach. YVR is investing in long-term infrastructure upgrades to protect Sea Island from sea level rise and extreme weather.
Between 2025 and 2026, we will invest $60 million to raise dikes and replace floodboxes, along with an additional $12 million to upgrade pump stations. Beyond 2026, we plan to invest $12.5 million annually to enhance flood protection and strengthen long-term resilience.
We’re also integrating sustainability considerations into all new infrastructure planning, ensuring that our airport is ready to meet the challenges of tomorrow.
3. Cutting carbon across the terminal
We are proud to be a carbon neutral organization and are one of only 3 airports in North America certified at Level 4+ under the Airport Carbon Accreditation Program.
But we are not stopping there! We are well on our way to reaching our goal of net zero by 2030 for airport operations; our emissions footprint decreased by 19 per cent in 2024 relative to 2023. HVAC and lighting projects reduced emissions by 515 tonnes in 2024 – the equivalent of taking 120 gasoline-powered passenger vehicles off the road for a year.
We are investing in cleaner fuels to reduce emissions from our vehicle fleet and from heating the Terminal. In 2024, sixty-two per cent of the diesel purchased for our airside fleet was renewable diesel and 36 per cent of the natural gas used for main terminal heating was renewable natural gas.
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. When complete, it will save over 4,800 tonnes of carbon emissions every year.
In addition to heating some of our terminal water with solar thermal heating, YVR plans to reduce carbon emissions from remaining hot water systems to zero by installing air source heat pumps for all three domestic hot water loops in the Main Terminal. This technology is four times more efficient than using electricity alone, and it will reduce YVR’s carbon emissions by 855 tonnes per year.
4. Empowering a culture of sustainability
Sustainability at YVR extends beyond operation, it’s part of our workplace culture. Through our Green Commuter Program, employees are rewarded for walking, biking, taking transit, or carpooling to work. As a Transit Friendly Employer, we’re proud to support greener commuting that’s convenient, cost-effective, and good for the climate
We’re also collaborating with our Sea Island business community to reduce emissions collectively across our supply chain, creating shared value for partners and the planet.
Learn more: our Environmental Sustainability Plan
These actions are just a snapshot of the bold steps YVR is taking. Earlier this year, we launched our Environmental Sustainability Plan—a roadmap to reduce emissions, adapt to climate change, and drive innovation across all areas of our business.
On World Environment Day, and every day, we remain committed to leading the way in sustainable aviation.