The Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA) has partnered with AECOM to lead the development of a new environmental master plan for Toronto Pearson International Airport.

The plan will focus on six key areas in support of GTAA’s environmental policy: climate change, carbon neutrality and emissions, strategic energy use, water management, natural environment, waste management and noise management.

The organization’s key long-term goals include net zero GHG and zero waste by no later than 2050, and a commitment to 100 percent renewable energy use by 2050.

“The effects of COVID-19 on the aviation industry are well documented, yet also offer an unparalleled opportunity to identify and integrate environmentally sustainable design, construction and operational best practices,” says Pat Neville, Vice President, Airport Development and Technical Services, GTAA. “These environmental sustainability features will be critical in ensuring the recovery of the airport while ensuring a more efficient and resilient airport of the future.”

AECOM will develop strategic plans for each GTAA environmental focus area that will together form an environmental master plan for Toronto Pearson International Airport. It will also provide services such as conducting baseline assessments for the focus areas; overseeing peer review and analysis of current strategies; identifying priority areas and related goals; preparing cost/benefit analysis for programs and targets; and recommending systems to monitor performance and communicate key metrics.

“GTAA is at the forefront of aviation sustainability, and we are honoured to be part of its next chapter as it continues to demonstrate leadership in environmental policies and strategies,” said Frank Sweet, chief executive of AECOM’s global environment business. “AECOM’s global team of subject matter experts share GTAA’s commitment to environmental stewardship, with extensive experience supporting the sustainability efforts of internationally recognized airports.”

The GTAA is actively integrating the environment in every aspect of its operation, from future capital investments in infrastructure and its ongoing rehabilitation of Runway 06L/24R to on-site renewable energy, electric vehicles and chargers, sustainable procurement practices and embracing the principles of the circular economy in order to minimize waste.

The airport authority manages and operates Toronto Pearson International Airport, Canada’s largest airport in terms of total passenger traffic and North America’s second largest in terms of international traffic, pre-pandemic.

AECOM’s previous work at Toronto Pearson includes the redevelopment of Terminal 1, where it served as prime consultant responsible for groundside infrastructure; the original Terminal 3; and various roads and transit, water modelling, and critical infrastructure projects.