YLW Connection - Spring 2009 - (Page 13)

YLW supports the environment | B Y R O B E RT F IN E , Manager of Economic Development Central Okanagan Regional District A s the world’s economy struggles, the general consensus seems to be that the environment provides an opportunity that can help us move forward in these difficult times. Kelowna International Airport is embracing this opportunity and has begun looking at the steps required to achieve carbon neutrality, the point where we contribute zero carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere. The benefits of reducing carbon dioxide emissions are being demonstrated by Newfoundland’s Gander International Airport which, in August, 2008 set the goal of reducing emissions by 33 percent by 2020, thereby becoming carbon neutral. Gander International has formed a Green Committee comprised of airport workers, partners and tenants to implement a green culture. Through the Committee, the airport is looking at how to reduce paper consumption, develop procurement policies that prefer green vendors, reduce electricity use, recycling, anti-idling policies, energy retrofits and many other procedures. A recent report provided by Intervistas, an international transportation and tourism consulting firm, estimated that Gander International Airport produces 2,367 tonnes of CO2 a year. Ironically, emissions from aircraft and vehicles not owned by the airport (such as passenger planes, buses and taxi’s) have been excluded from the emissions inventory as the airport has no control over their activities. This should make achieving carbon neutrality a whole lot easier. Some of Kelowna’s partner airports are also taking steps to cut emissions. Seattle Tacoma International Airport, for example, plans to supply air conditioning to parked planes so that airlines can cool their jets without polluting the air. Seattle Tacoma International’s plan will allow planes to shut down auxiliary power plants, thereby saving fuel and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The project is scheduled to get underway next year with preconditioned air beginning to blow by the end of 2012. According to the publication, Aviation News, “Once installed, the project is expected to reduce emissions by more than 69,000 metric tons per year and save airlines nearly $400,000 in the first year. The CO2 savings is equal to two percent of the yearly emissions from aircraft at Sea-Tac or equivalent to taking 13,000 cars off the road.” The aviation industry is responsible for an estimated two percent of global carbon dioxide emissions. The best estimate of the industry impact on climate change is about 3.5 percent of the total contribution by human activities. Despite these statistics, airports must keep on operating and in every economy. In the months ahead, watch how Kelowna International Airport takes to become a carbon neutral facility, doing its part to support the environment by reducing carbon emissions. n SPRING 2009 13 The aviation industry is responsible for an estimated two percent of global carbon dioxide emissions.

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of YLW Connection - Spring 2009

YLW Connection - Spring 2009
Contents
Airport Services
YLW Well Prepared for the Challenges of a Turbulent Economy
Connect with Calgary
Bird and Wildlife Management at YLW
Horizon Air - How Ambitious is Your Travel Check List?
YLW Supports the Environment
Alternate Transportation Initiatives
Destination Osoyoos
Celebrating 10 Years!
Spring Wine Festival Kicks Off - See You at the Finish Line
BC Air Ambulance Service - Teamwork at its Finest
Lake City Casinos Newest Casino in Vernon Aims to Exceed Expectations
Black & McDonald - Striving for Excellence in Customer Service
YLW News
Trivia & Games

YLW Connection - Spring 2009

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