YLW honoured for advancing sustainability in aviation

News Release

On October 25, Kelowna International Airport (YLW) was recognized on the international stage at the Airports Council International (ACI) North America & ACI World Annual General Assembly, Conference and Exhibition 2025 for achieving Level 3 of the Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) Program, an internationally recognized framework for managing and reducing airport carbon emissions.

This event is considered the most important global gathering of airport leaders and is attended by senior aviation executives from across the globe. YLW is honoured to be recognized for their commitment to continuous improvement and making measurable progress in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from airport operations. 

Specific actions to achieve this milestone have included:

Utilizing Renewable Diesel Fuel in airport operating vehicles

Investing in energy-efficient LED runway lighting

Rooftop solar PV panels to generate renewable energy

Reducing gas and diesel consumption to heat and power gates

Installation of geothermal for heating and cooling

Improving waste management within the terminal

Beyond gathering emissions data, this has included the facilitation of collaborative quarterly meetings of the Campus Green Committee, where innovations and challenges regarding carbon reductions are discussed by the group. The Green Committee is a group of airport campus partners who are committed to reducing carbon emissions, improving operational efficiencies, and contributing to a more sustainable airport that benefits everyone. To learn more about YLW’s climate commitments, visit ylw.kelowna.ca.