Sustainability is a key priority for Halifax International Airport Authority (HIAA), as we aim to create a better airport and healthier communities, now and in the future.
Everything we do aligns with our environmental, social, and governance objectives and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, creating a pathway that ensures the long-term viability of our airport.
To review our latest Sustainability Report, click here.
Environmental Policy
Our Environmental Policy establishes the following environmental expectations:
Halifax International Airport Authority is committed to managing operations in a manner that is protective of the natural environment in which Halifax Stanfield is located. We will achieve this through effective and responsible management of its environmental issues.
This includes:
- Operating the airport in an environmentally responsible manner in compliance with applicable environmental legislation
- Monitoring greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from HIAA’s operations and developing innovative reduction strategies with an overall aim of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050
- Applying sustainability principles to all aspects of HIAA’s activities, where feasible
- Requiring those conducting business at Halifax Stanfield to operate in an environmentally responsible manner
- Conducting appropriate environmental monitoring to assess the potential for adverse environmental impacts as a result of our activities and taking appropriate preventive and corrective measures
- Continually improving environmental performance by establishing appropriate environmental objectives and achievable targets, implementing best management practices and cost-effective technologies, periodic reviews, and revision of objectives and targets where necessary
- Employing a preventative approach to manage adverse environmental impacts, where feasible and practical
- Assessing, on an annual basis, environmental performance and implementing preventative and corrective measures, where necessary
- Educating our employees and tenants on our specific environmental priorities
- Ensuring employees receive appropriate environmental training to carry out the environmental responsibilities of their jobs.
Environmental Management System
We manage environmental risks through an Environmental Management System (EMS) that meets the ISO 14001 standard. Our EMS provides tools and processes to manage our environmental responsibilities and improve performance.
Carbon Management
Halifax Stanfield has been participating in Airports Council International’s (ACI) Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) program since 2016. We are one of nine airports in Canada participating in the ACA program, contributing to the global effort to manage and reduce carbon emissions in the aviation industry. Halifax Stanfield is also one of 87 airports in North America that have attained accreditation.
Since joining the program, we have worked our way up to Level 3 and continues to make progress in decarbonizing our operations. Our five-year strategic goal is to achieve a 30% reduction in carbon emissions compared to our 2019 baseline. We continue to report on our progress in our annual Sustainability Report.
Level 1
Mapping requires a policy commitment to monitoring emissions that is endorsed by top management and developing a carbon footprint for emissions under the airport’s control (i.e., scope 1 & 2 emissions).
Level 2
Reduction requires fulfilling all Level 1 accreditation requirements, formulating a carbon emissions reduction target, developing a Carbon Management Plan to achieve the target, and reducing emissions under the airport’s control (i.e., scope 1 & 2 emissions) annually versus the three-year rolling average.
Level 3
Optimisation requires fulfilling all Level 2 accreditation requirements, developing a more extensive carbon footprint to include specific scope 3 emissions, and formulating a Stakeholder Engagement Plan to promote wider airport-based emissions reductions.
For more details on the 7 levels of accreditation, click here.
Air Quality
We encourage drivers to turn off their engines while parked at the airport to reduce emissions.
For a greener travel option, consider using Halifax Transit’s Regional Express Airport/Fall River Route 320. This direct, limited-stop bus service operates seven days a week between downtown Halifax and the airport, offering a convenient and eco-friendly alternative for both employees and travellers.
Green Construction
At Halifax Stanfield, we prioritize sustainable construction to support our environmental, social, and governance (ESG) objectives. Our Combined Services Complex (CSC), a LEED Silver-certified facility, exemplifies this commitment by utilizing recycled and regional materials and conserving water and energy. We ensure that all new construction and major renovations adhere to our sustainability guidelines, fostering a greener, more efficient, and community-friendly airport.
Stormwater Management
Acid Rock Run-off
Our stormwater treatment facility ensures cleaner water leaving the airport. Built to manage acidic runoff from pyritic slate bedrock, it has operated effectively since 2002.
Aircraft and Airfield Deicing
Aircraft deicing runoff is collected, treated, and reused to protect water quality. We also use eco-friendly airfield deicers, reducing environmental impact while ensuring safe winter operations.
Solid Waste
We focus on reducing landfill waste with programs for our tenants and employees to properly separate waste, recycle organics and dispose of cardboard. Divided bins throughout the terminal make it easy for everyone to participate in waste diversion efforts!
Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure
We are committed to a cleaner, greener future through practical and innovative sustainability initiatives. Our parkade has over 120 public electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, which were installed with funding from Natural Resources Canada.
These EV chargers provide convenient access to travellers and visitors who have made the transition to low-emission vehicles, and the new electric ground support equipment (eGSE) chargers on the apron (flight line) will help our airline partners meet their carbon reduction targets. This initiative supports our commitment to leading a sustainable future and our pledge to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050.