Edmonton International Airport (EIA) has signalled its commitment to carbon neutrality by becoming the first airport in the world to sign up to The Climate Pledge, an initiative involving more than 100 companies and organizations that believe in the urgent need to reduce carbon emissions and address climate change. It was founded in 2019 by Amazon and environmental organization Global Optimism and commits companies to be carbon neutral by 2040. EIA is only the third Canadian organization to sign the Pledge, and says it will take increased action to address this global issue.
“Climate change is a real and serious concern, and one of the biggest issues of our time. It is all our responsibility to acknowledge and address global sustainability for future generations. By signing the Climate Pledge, Edmonton Airport is demonstrating to our community and the world that we are dedicated to sustainability and to reducing carbon emissions. Sustainability is inherent in all that we do, and we continue to make significant progress toward our goal of net zero,” said Tom Ruth, president and CEO of Edmonton International Airport.
Approximately 70% of EIA’s CO2e emissions are related to electricity usage. However, the airport has demonstrated its long-term commitment to efficiency and innovation by reducing its energy intensity usage by 50% in the last 20 years, with further reductions underway.