YMM Achieves First Milestone in Global Airport Carbon Reduction Program

July 8, 2021

YMM Achieves First Milestone in Global Airport Carbon Reduction Program Fort McMurray, AB – The Fort McMurray International Airport (YMM) successfully attained level one certification from Airports Council International (ACI) – World’s Global Airport Carbon Accreditation program. The third-party accredited program provides airports with a common framework for carbon management enabling them to effectively reduce their carbon footprint.

“In the last decade, our industry has seen consistent growth in airport climate action,” said RJ Steenstra, President and CEO of the Fort McMurray Airport Authority. “Participating in this program reinforces our core value of sustainability and aligns with our strategic priorities. To-date we have reduced our carbon emissions by 22% since making the commitment to pursue accreditation in 2019, and we can only see that improving over time as we progress through each stage of the program.”

According to the Airport Carbon Accreditation organization, the airport industry accounts for just 2% of the air transport sector’s total carbon emissions, however airports across the globe are making significant effort to reduce their emissions even further. Through its 6 levels of certification (mapping, reduction, optimization, neutrality, transformation, transition), the program considers airports of all sizes and stages in their journey towards comprehensive carbon management.

“Lowering our emissions is directly tied to continuously improving our energy efficiency and reducing our consumption,” said Cuyler Green, Vice President of Operations, Fort McMurray Airport Authority. “Some of the concrete actions we have taken to-date include introducing a policy to eliminate idling of vehicles, and reducing electricity consumed to light the runway and taxiway. Working through each certification level in this program will only enhance our progress towards environmentally sustainable operations.”

As of 2019, there were 334 airports across the globe actively engaged in the program, collectively reducing CO2 emissions by 322,297 tonnes. Airports benefit the cities and regions they serve providing freedom of movement, and with that comes environmental considerations. The program helps airports reduce their environmental footprint and by extension supports their community’s broader sustainability goals.

“I congratulate the Fort McMurray International Airport on attaining this certification and for its continued focus on sustainability and emissions reduction,” said Mayor Don Scott, Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo. “This is a great example of the social corporate responsibility for which our region is known. I thank R.J. Steenstra and his entire team at Fort McMurray International Airport for their continued efforts.”

Mission

Our mandate is to manage the airport safely, securely, and efficiently, advancing economic and community development for the general benefit of the public in the region.

Vision

Northern Alberta’s Airport of Choice

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