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HIAA & the Environment

Although aviation accounts for just 2% of worldwide CO2 emissions, there are always things we can do to decrease our environmental footprint. The green scene at Halifax Stanfield International Airport (HSIA) is very busy with the Halifax International Airport Authority (HIAA) working hard to take a leadership role in environmental excellence.

Airport Encourages Drivers to go Idle-Free by Promoting DriveWiser Program

Halifax Stanfield International Airport (HSIA) has teamed up with Clean Nova Scotia to encourage drivers to stop idling. The program is called Idle-Free and it demonstrates the airport’s commitment to responsible environmental management.

“Participating in this program is an example of the airport’s dedication to going green,” says Shawn Hicks, HIAA’s Environmental Systems Manager. “We recognize fuel plays a crucial role in our business, however we also acknowledge it’s important to do our part to reduce fuel consumption wherever possible.”

Signs at the airport have been placed in locations where drivers frequently idle, along the arrivals road and in the delivery area.

DriveWiser is delivered by Clean Nova Scotia and funded by Conserve Nova Scotia. Since 2006, the program has been raising awareness of fuel consumption and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. The Idle-Free campaign has been very successful and there are now more than 470 signs posted throughout the province.

Combined Services Complex

The Combined Services Complex (CSC) is a state of the art, energy efficient facility that is home to the airport’s Emergency Response Services and Maintenance teams. The 6,000 square metre complex replaced the on-site fire hall, built in 1981, and the airport’s original maintenance garage, which has been in operation since 1960.

The new CSC was built to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) specifications, marking the first building of its kind for HIAA. LEED Canada identifies six categories of environmental sustainability that need to be followed for certification: 

• Sustainable Sites
• Water Efficiency
• Energy and Atmosphere
• Materials and Resources
• Indoor Environmental Quality
• Innovation & Design Process

Falconry Program

HSIA in-house falconry program was created as a site-specific remedy to address bird and wildlife hazards unique to the airport.

Halifax International Airport Authority's (HIAA) Derek Forrest is a trained falconer, and his team of two Lanner Falcons, one Grey Falcon and one Harris Hawk, work to ward off unwanted birds and animals that could endanger aircraft and the airport’s navigational installations and airfield lighting systems. The falcons do not attack the wildlife but instead deter birds from the area with their presence. They are able to disturb the birds for a long period, prevent them from obtaining food, which encourages the birds to go elsewhere.

HIAA was recognized in 2000 by the Airports Council International-North America (ACI-NA) with the Environmental Achievement Award for excellence in bird and wildlife control for this innovative program.

“Green” Runway Rubber Removal Project

As part of Halifax Stanfield International Airport’s environmental commitment, a product is being used to remove runway rubber.

BioSol AvaSol is a Canadian made environmentally friendly product. It is a 100% biodegradable non-hazardous cleaning agent that contains no harmful carcinogens, phosphates or caustic materials. It condenses contaminants, separates rubber particulate and carries them to the edge of the runway during rinsing.

Recycling Program

HIAA is dedicated to reducing its garbage and diverting waste materials from landfills. HIAA has worked to educate its tenants about proper separation techniques and has successfully increased their diversion rate from 16 to 24 per cent in 2007.

HIAA’s program ensures that the waste collected throughout the terminal building is properly separated and disposed of in the appropriate receptacles, while providing a behind the scenes organic 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.

For more information about Nova Scotia’s recycling commitments visit the NS Provincial Resource Recovery Fund Board website.

Southern Twayblade

During an environmental assessment at HSIA a small colony of rare, endangered orchids, the Southern Twayblade (Listera australis), was discovered growing on airport property. As a result, steps were taken by HIAA to ensure that this plant population remains protected and construction was relocated around the area.

The Southern Twayblade is a tiny but intricate orchid that is often found in bogs. The Twayblade has been found in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Quebec and Ontario; as well as throughout the eastern United States.

For more information about this rare orchid and other Canadian orchids visit the Orchid Society of Royal Botanical Gardens.

Wetland Project

In 2002, HIAA conducted an environmental assessment of the land in advance of development on the property. That assessment revealed that the airside part of the project would impact a wetland habitat.

In partnership with the Nova Scotia Department of Environment and Labour and Ducks Unlimited Canada (DU Canada), HIAA was able to make a $17,000 donation to DU Canada to fund the construction of a 6-acre wetland in nearby South Maitland.