The Ottawa Airport Authority is committed to improving environmental performance and tracks its progress through the following key performance indicators:

STORMWATER QUALITY

De-icing

For safety reasons, aircraft require de-icing during the winter months. The Airport Authority monitors all stormwater property outlets for the presence of glycol and other parameters resulting from de-icing activities. The presence of glycol exceeding the guidelines was observed at two property outlets during two heavy rain/snow melt events. This prompted operational changes, which changes were initiated during the 2019-2020 de-icing season. We continue to implement and monitor the effectiveness of the mitigation measures.

2020 Goals

  • Continue to monitor the outlets to identify and mitigate issues.
  • Continue to monitor operations and modify as necessary to minimize the potential for glycol impact.
  • No exceedances to the Glycol Guidelines.

Glycol application (in litres)

2019-2020 winter season: 3,019,859
2017-2018 winter season: 3,535,468
2016-2017 winter season: 3,275,941
2015-2016 winter season: 2,878,051
2014-2015 winter season: 3,103,433

Ground handling

Accidental spills typically occur as a result of human error or equipment malfunction and mostly occur during aircraft servicing. The Airport Authority and operators work to minimize the impact when spills occur. The majority of spills occur on hard surfaces and are cleaned immediately. In 2019, 81 spills were reported and all spills were contained and prevented from entering the environment.

2020 Goals

  • Continue to promote employee awareness.
  • Continue to promote regular equipment maintenance to reduce the number of spills.
  • Ensure no significant environmental impact from spills.

Significant spills *

2019: 0
2018: 0
2017: 0
2016: 1
2015: 1

* large enough to require being reported to Environment Canada and the Ontario Ministry of the Environment

AIR QUALITY

In 2016, the Ottawa Airport Authority received Airports Council International (ACI) Carbon Accreditation Program Level 1 - Mapping certification. In 2017, the Authority achieved Level 2 reduction certification, which required the development and implementation of a comprehensive Greenhouse Gases (GHG) Management Plan. In 2018, we retained our Level 2 certification and applied for Level 3 certification, which required the engagement of third party airport partners, such as airlines and ground handlers. Level 3 certification was obtained for 2018 and we re-certified in 2019.

2020 Goals

  • Achieve carbon neutrality through reductions and offsets and prepare to certify at Level 3+ (neutrality) ACI Certification.
  • Continue to implement GHG Management Plan.
  • Implement Stakeholder Management Plan.
  • Reduce GHG emissions as per plan.  

CO2 produced (in tonnes)

2019: 5,020 (CO2eq) = 0.983 per 1000 passengers
2018: 4,777 (CO2eq) = 0.934 per 1000 passengers
2017: 4,987 (CO2eq) = 1.022 per 1000 passengers
2016: 5,354 (CO2eq) = 1.129 per 1000 passengers
2015: 5,728 (CO2eq) = 1.230 per 1000 passengers

The Airport Authority has completed several projects to reduce energy consumption including the replacement of metal halide lamps with LED lighting in areas such as the Parkade, street lights, apron lighting, taxiway lights just to name a few.

Furthermore, in 2020, the Airport Authority purchased 5,100 tonnes of carbon offsets for 2019 to achieve carbon neutrality. Two projects were selected for direction of the offsets; the Darkwoods Forest Carbon Project (VCS607) and Paradigm Healthy Cookstoves and Water Treatment Project (GS966). Both projects qualify for the Airport Carbon Accreditation program Level 3+ certification.

AIRCRAFT NOISE

The Airport Authority recognizes that aircraft noise may be a nuisance to some members of the community. Noise Abatement Procedures, which are approved by Transport Canada, are in place. As continued development could bring residential development closer to the airport, the Authority also continues to work with the City of Ottawa to discourage non-airport compatible land uses, to minimize disturbance for future residents.

Background

2011 marked the start of a significant, multi-year, summer airside improvement program. Projects included the resurfacing of Runway 04/22 in 2011 and complete rehabilitation of Runway 07/25 in 2012 and Runway 14/32 in 2014, with runway grooving in 2013 and 2015 respectively. A Simplified Short Approach Lighting System with Runway Alignment (SSALR) was installed on Runway 25 in 2017 and on Runway 14 in 2018. These lights provide greater visibility for landing, particularly when visibility is low. Various taxiways and apron areas have also been renewed since 2011.

Because large projects of this nature disrupt commercial aircraft traffic patterns, which can impact the surrounding general public, ensuring awareness in the community is vital. Before each project, the Authority executed comprehensive communications plans in Ottawa-Gatineau, including media outreach and communication with stakeholders, the municipal and federal governments and impacted communities.

In the summer of 2019, Taxiway Bravo was rehabilitated. Therefore, the use of Runway 14/32 (north-south) was increased and resulted in increased noise events and number of complaints. The Authority logged 101 complaints deemed related to this work. In total, we received 177 noise complaints in 2019. In 2020, the rehabilitation of Taxiway Alpha was proposed but has been postponed. This future work may increase the traffic volume of Runway 07/25 (east-west). 

The Airport Authority logs all aircraft noise complaints and investigates them to monitor for compliance with noise abatement procedures. Information is provided to Transport Canada for enforcement purposes when a flight is observed to have potentially deviated from proper procedure.

2020 Goals

  • Continue to monitor and respond to noise complaints, discuss with local residents, and identify reoccurring issues and solutions, where possible.
  • Work with NAV CANADA and the flying community to ensure flights follow published procedures and to minimize impacts to populated areas.

WASTE DIVERSION

A waste diversion program has been in place since 2005. Diversion rates, which were first measured in 2006 at 18% have grown to between 25% and 34%. The 2017 waste audit indicated a diversion rate of 28%, excluding the recycling of wood pallets. Including wood pallets, the waste diversion rates rises to roughly 34%.  

A new Master Concession agreement was signed in which a goal to increase the waste diversion rate to over 60% was agreed to.

Future Goal

  • Waste diversion rate of at least 60%.

General waste

2017: 28% (excluding wood pallets)
2017: 34% (including wood pallets)
2010: 25%
2006: 18%

A waste audit will be completed when air traffic returns to normal levels.  

Hazardous waste

The Airport Authority recycles hazardous waste whenever possible. In 2019, we continued to recycle hazardous waste.

  • Light tubes: 2,565 m
  • Electronics: 10,677 kg
  • Batteries: 274 kg
  • Aerosols: 50 kg 
  • Waste oil: 3744 L
  • Antifreeze: 205 L
  • Naphtha (parts cleaner): 240 L

2020 Goal

  • Continue to minimize and recycle hazardous waste.

Vehicle efficiency

The Airport Authority’s operational vehicle fleet includes various types of equipment. Fuel consumption varies considerably depending on winter weather. The number of snow events, duration and amount of snow and ice accumulation dictates how frequently vehicles are used each season. To aid in fuel consumption and emissions, the Authority has a "no idling" policy – when not in use, vehicles are to be turned off and plugged in.

Fuel used (in litres)

2019: 666,140
2018: 721,472
2017: 641,254
2016: 698,257
2015: 562,262

2020 Goals

  • Reduce consumption whenever possible by continuing to monitor for new technology that improves efficiency.
  • Maintain a proactive maintenance schedule, which enhances the overall efficiency of the fleet.

BUILDING EFFICIENCY

Electricity

Electricity use has an impact on Scope 2 emissions that are included in the GHG calculations. Consumption varies from year to year based on factors such as the number of passengers and the weather. In 2019, use was calculated at 26.2 M kWh for all Airport Authority buildings and exterior lighting.

Electricity consumption (in 100,000 kW/h)

2019: 26.2
2018: 25.1
2017: 27.7
2016: 27.8
2015: 26.9

2020 Goals

  • Reduce consumption whenever possible by continuing to monitor for new technology that improves efficiency.
  • Maintain a proactive maintenance schedule, which enhances the overall efficiency of the building’s systems.

Water

Water use varies from year to year based on factors such as the number of passengers and the weather. In 2019, water use for the airport was 75,627 m3. 

Water consumption (in m3)

2019: 75,627
2018: 83,692 
2017: 79,483
2016: 83,030

2020 Goals

  • Reduce consumption whenever possible by continuing to monitor for new technology that improves efficiency.
  • Maintain a proactive maintenance schedule, which enhances the overall efficiency of the building’s systems.

Natural gas

As with electricity, natural gas has an impact on GHG. Its use varies from year-to-year based on the number of passengers and the weather. In 2019, consumption was calculated at 1.40M m³ for all Airport Authority buildings. 

Natural gas consumption (in m3)

2019: 1,404,277
2018: 1,241,535
2017: 1,178,395
2016: 1,244,191
2015: 1,260,840

2020 Goals

  • Reduce consumption whenever possible by continuing to monitor for new technology that improves efficiency.
  • Maintain a proactive maintenance schedule, which enhances the overall efficiency of the building’s systems.