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
We have been participating in the Airport Carbon Accreditation Program since 2016. Airport Carbon Accreditation is the only institutionally endorsed, global carbon management certification programme for airports. It independently assesses and recognises the efforts of airports to manage and reduce their carbon emissions.
Air Quality
We encourage drivers to avoid idling while at the airport.
Halifax Transit implemented a commuter bus route travelling from downtown Halifax to the airport which has not only increased access to the airport, but also created a greener and more convenient transportation alternative for airport employees and travellers. The Regional Express 320 Airport/Fall River bus offers direct, limited-stop service seven days a week to and from the airport.
Green Construction
In 2010, we opened the Combined Services Complex (CSC), our first Leadership in Energy and Environment Design (LEED) silver-certifiable building. In 2013, the CSC received LEED silver certification. The CSC is a state of the art, energy efficient facility that is home to the airport’s Emergency Response Services and Maintenance teams. The CSC received LEED Innovation in Design credits for exceptional performance in: water use reduction, use of recycled materials and use of regional materials.
Stormwater Management
Acid Rock Run-off
Halifax Stanfield was constructed in the late 1950s on pyritic slate bedrock which results in acidic run-off. To manage the acidic run-off, a facility to treat stormwater was constructed in 2002 and continues to operate today. This water treatment system significantly improves the quality of water leaving the airport.
Aircraft and Airfield Deicing
Airlines that operate during winter weather perform deicing and anti-icing of aircraft to ensure the safety of passengers and cargo operations. Aircraft de-icing fluid (glycol) is utilized to remove snow and ice and to prevent snow, frost or ice build-up on critical aircraft surfaces. To protect water quality, waste from deicing operations must be properly collected and treated. At Halifax Stanfield, glycol contaminated run-off is collected and processed for on-airport re-use as aircraft de-icing fluid. Several million litres of glycol-contaminated run-off are collected and processed on an annual basis.
Airports that operate during winter weather perform deicing and anti-icing of the airfield to contribute to safe flight operations. In 2007, we discontinued the use of urea as an airfield deicer to reduce the impact on the environment. A more environmentally friendly alternative – sodium formate and potassium acetate – were introduced to reduce the impact on the environment and improve airfield deicing.
Solid Waste
We are dedicated to reducing solid waste and diverting waste materials from landfills. We have worked to educate our tenants about proper separation techniques and continually improved our waste diversion rate.
In 2013, Divert Nova Scotia awarded us with the annual Mobius Award of Environmental Excellence for Institution of the Year. This award recognized us as a leader for the innovative measures put in place to achieve overall waste reduction.
Our program ensures the waste collected throughout the terminal building is properly separated and disposed of in the appropriate receptacles while providing a behind-the-scenes organics program with the food concessions and cardboard disposal program.
Divided waste receptacles with separate canisters for garbage, recyclables, refundable and paper products are located throughout the terminal building. This helps to encourage all visitors, travellers and tenants to participate in the program.