British Columbia is Leading the Way in Sustainable Aviation

British Columbia (B.C.) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Vancouver International Airport (YVR) to foster a greener and more innovative aviation industry.

With a series of strategic partnerships and investments, the Government of B.C. is leading the charge towards a greener, more sustainable future. By leveraging the expertise of key players like YVR, B.C. is not only reducing its carbon footprint but also looking to meet the growing global demand for low-carbon products, services and pollution-reducing technologies.

The 3-Year Partnership Between YVR and Government of B.C.

Through a three-year MOU, the Government of B.C. and YVR have committed to several shared priorities aimed at accelerating sustainable aviation, reducing emissions, supporting community resilience, increasing clean tech investment, expanding trade diversification, promoting workforce development, and enhancing goods and people movement.

“This partnership recognizes the important role that YVR and B.C.’s aviation sector plays in the diversification of the provincial economy including zero-carbon innovation, technology, international trade and investment, and skills training. Together with the Government of British Columbia, we are advancing important work and creating value for all British Columbians by strengthening connections between businesses, communities and sustainable economic growth.”

– Tamara Vrooman, President and CEO, Vancouver International Airport

To kick off this partnership with YVR, the Government of B.C. is investing nearly $1 million in three key projects that will support the broader aviation industry:

• $250,000 for a study to help accelerate the development of sustainable aviation fuels and related clean technologies.
• $375,000 to support the creation of a net-zero airports action plan for carbon-reduction measures at airports across British Columbia.
• $250,000 for a study to explore multi-modal access improvements at YVR, including enhancement of the movement of people and goods between YVR, Vancouver Island and new markets, as well as supply chain resiliency.

As demand for B.C. exports and international travel to B.C. grows, the Province is particularly keen on expanding trade diversification through enhanced air passenger and cargo operations. This shows a balanced approach of promoting made-in-B.C. clean tech and reducing pollution while fostering economic growth through international trade and investment opportunities.

YVR: A Beacon of Sustainability and Innovation

As Canada’s second-busiest international airport, YVR has welcomed nearly 25 million passengers in 2023, facilitating more than $20 billion in total economic output and supporting over 26,000 jobs in Vancouver and more than 126,000 jobs throughout the province.

YVR has long been committed to environmental stewardship and reducing its carbon footprint. In 2021, the airport became the first in Canada to commit to achieving net-zero emissions from its operations by 2030.

YVR’s Innovation Hub is expected to play a role in achieving this milestone. The hub was designed to foster and incubate people-first technology to advance the airport’s vision to power the future through innovation and sustainable technology solutions. This includes important electrification initiatives that support YVR’s Roadmap to Net Zero.

The airport has also recently signed an MOU with British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) to support development, advancement and implementation of innovation initiatives, including the airport’s Digital Twin and BCIT’s Smart Campus Development.

The Government of B.C. and YVR have also partnered on an Integrated Marketplace Initiative, providing a platform for made-in-B.C. companies to develop and sell clean-tech solutions locally. By supporting local innovation, YVR is driving economic growth while fostering the development and adoption of sustainable technologies in the aviation industry.

Collaborative Partnerships for a Sustainable Future

With strategic partnerships, investments and forward-thinking initiatives, the Government of B.C. is leading the way towards a greener, more sustainable future. By embracing projects that reduce emissions, promote clean-tech investment and enhance connectivity, the Government of B.C. is not only safeguarding the environment but also driving economic prosperity for future generations.

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