Environment at YLW: Progress with Purpose
A Legacy of Growth & Responsibility
Since 1946, Kelowna International Airport (YLW) has grown from a grass airstrip into one of Canada’s busiest airports. Through every stage of expansion, from adding paved runways in the 1950s to doubling the terminal in 1998, one principle has guided our journey: progress and sustainability must go hand in hand.
We’ve been tracking and managing our environmental footprint since the 1990s, long before sustainability became standard practice in aviation.
Our Climate Commitment
In 2022, we introduced a Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Reduction Policy with ambitious milestones, aligned with provincial climate goals and the aviation industry’s global decarbonization efforts.
Our Goals
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50% reduction in Scope 1 & 2 emissions per passenger by 2030
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Carbon neutrality for airport-controlled emissions by 2030
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Net-zero (or net-negative) airport-controlled emissions by 2040
Verified Progress
YLW participates in the Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) program, the first global carbon management certification designed for airports. This framework helps airports measure, manage, and reduce emissions step by step.
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YLW currently holds Level 3 accreditation, making it one of ten airports in Canada and one of 33 airports in North America at this level or higher. This level expands reporting beyond our direct operations (Scopes 1 & 2) to include campus partners (Scope 3) emissions, such as airline activity, ground transport, tenant operations, and employee travel.
Key Initiatives
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Renewable diesel: Transitioning ground vehicles to lower-carbon fuels.
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Vehicle Electrification: Electrifying YLW Operations' fleet of vehicles
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Advanced navigation procedures (RNP-AR): In partnership with NAV CANADA, YLW enables more direct, fuel-efficient flight paths.
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Building energy efficiency: Enhanced and upgraded building energy efficiency to reduce emissions from electricity consumption. See “Energy Efficiency & Building Upgrades” section for more information.
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Pre-Conditioned Air Units: facilitated access to Pre-Conditioned Air Units to reduce aircraft idling emissions during parking.
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LED lighting upgrades: across runway, aprons, baggage areas, offices, and public spaces save up to 60% in energy use.
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Occupancy sensors: installed throughout the Terminal Building to ensure lighting is only used when needed.
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High-efficiency building upgrades: high-efficiency roofing and window shading films are installed to improve thermal performance and reduce cooling needs.
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High-Efficiency new builds: New Operations and Emergency Services Building (OESB) nearing completion. Fully electric, in-ground heating, insulated bay doors, and solar PV installation.
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Electrification: Small tools and equipment used by YLW Operations have been replaced with electric alternatives; EV charging is in place for fleet vehicles. Comprehensive electrification strategy updated in 2025.
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Geoexchange field: completed as part of the new Airport Terminal Building expansion and will support carbon neutrality goals and reduce operational costs. Complements the existing geothermal field to the north of the terminal.
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Future-ready: Solar panel installation on Airport Terminal Building roof planned for 2026–2027.
- Composting: Bins in all employee and public areas since 2023 to divert organic waste from landfill.
- Bottle refill stations: Five stations have already saved close to half a million single-use bottles as of 2024.
- Water monitoring program - Regular sampling of stormwater and creek water samples to screen for contaminants and assess regulatory compliance.
- Strive for continuous improvement of YLW and campus partner Standard Operating Procedures in handling of deleterious substances to prevent contamination at the source.
- Green cleaning program: All cleaning products meet Green Seal or EcoLogo standards, in partnership with Equans.
Awards & Recognition
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BCAC Environmental Award for Leadership in Sustainability, 2024
- Airport Carbon Accreditation - Level 3 Accreditation, 2025-2026
Learn More
Explore our progress in detail: