Environmental measures

The Airport Authority is committed to reducing the impact that its operation has on the environment. From recycling programs to glycol recovery and treatment, the Airport Authority has implemented programs that have increased waste diversion, switched to environmentally friendly cleaning products and recorded excellent results in all measurement areas.

The major focus of the Authority relating to the environment is to:

  • Eliminate the use of products that may impact the environment, where possible;
  • Reduce power consumption, where possible;
  • Mitigate the  impacts when elimination is not possible; and
  • Continuously improve results from all plans and programs.

The Airport Authority's yearly environmental stewardship efforts include the following programs:

  • Stormwater Monitoring
  • Aircraft Noise Management
  • Groundwater Monitoring
  • Hazardous Materials
  • Environmental Assessments
  • Waste Reduction/Recycling
  • Tank Inventories
  • Communication/Awareness/Training
  • Green Procurement
  • Air Pollution Reduction Campaign
  • Contaminated Sites
  • Energy Efficiency

To read more about program results, consult the Environmental Performance Report :
2022 | 20212020201920182017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010

Environmental Policy and Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Reduction Commitment

The Airport Authority has joined Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC)’s Net-Zero Challenge and is Level 3+ Accredited under the Airport Carbon Accreditation Program.

In 2022, the Airport Authority developed a new Environmental Policy to outline its commitment to shift from intensity-based GHG reduction goals to an absolute reduction goal.

While the Net-Zero challenge targets full decarbonization by 2050, we have set a loftier goal of 2040 or earlier.

Noise

Although air transportation enables the movement of people and products around the world, improving the quality of life and providing opportunities and experiences to many, for leisure and business, nothing changes the fact that, aircraft make noise.

The Airport Authority strives to be a good neighbour and is always looking for ways to reduce noise discomfort, all while keeping a close eye on safety requirements.

The Airport Authority and the aviation community work to mitigate noise:

  • Arrivals and departures are routed to the least disturbing flight paths – without compromising flight safety;
  • Radar and navigational aids provide precise control of arrivals and departures;
  • We work with planners at the municipal and provincial levels to coordinate growth around the Airport in an effort to minimize disturbance for future residents;
  • Aircraft manufacturers are continuing their research in noise control technology. Today’s generation of jet engines deliver more power to carry larger aircraft, with a dramatic decrease in noise; and
  • Air carriers are gradually phasing the noisiest of their aircraft out of their fleets or retrofitting them with new, quieter engines.

OIAA’s Aircraft Noise Management Program requires that all noise complaints are investigated to determine whether or not noise abatement procedures were followed. Transport Canada is notified of all infractions after which they can pursue further investigation, and issue fines accordingly.

Airport Operations Influence Zone (AOIZ)

The Ottawa International Airport has taken noise abatement one step further. In partnership with the municipal and provincial governments and other community stakeholders, we created the AOIZ. This line is a composite of the 30 NEF (Noise Exposure Forecast) and 30 NEP noise contours, and takes into account visible features such as roads and watercourses. The zone was established to restrict noise-sensitive development such as residential housing, places of worship, schools, and libraries, all of which are easily disturbed by noise.

To submit a noise complaint, please complete the online form

If you have an impairment and cannot use the online form, you can email [email protected] or call 613-248-2023 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday to Friday.