Billy Bishop Airport is committed to sustainability and protecting the environment. We conduct our operations in a manner that is consistent with protecting the environment, building and preserving natural habitats and ensuring that we give back to the communities that we serve.

Billy Bishop Airport has also been recognized by Airports Council International (ACI) for its efforts to protect and preserve the environment through our programs, initiatives and projects. In 2017, Billy Bishop Airport won the top award for its Noise Management Program; in 2019, the airport won Best Innovative Project for the successful completion of its three-year Airfield Rehabilitation Program; and in 2020 the airport won for its Master Plan, which was inclusive of many initiatives to protect the environment.

Some of Billy Bishop Airport’s key initiatives include:

• Sustainability Report
  In January 2019, Billy Bishop Airport released its third annual Sustainability Report. This new report details performance on key priorities associated with the organization’s sustainability efforts, including environmental protection. The report provided an opportunity to put the organization through the paces, celebrating its environmental successes as well as opportunities for improvement. To read our third annual report, click here.
• Renewable Energy
  Billy Bishop Airport is one of the top users of Bullfrog Power in the country and has chosen 100 per cent green electricity since 2010. PortsToronto and the Billy Bishop Airport are the only port authority and airport respectively in Canada to choose Bullfrog Power green electricity across all of its operations and facilities.

  • Since joining the bullfrogpowered community, Billy Bishop Airport has displaced more than 18,058 tonnes of CO2. This is equal to the amount of carbon that would be sequestered by about 9,500 hectares of forest in one year.

• Schoolyard Greening Project
  In partnership with Evergreen Canada, PortsToronto began work on bringing nature to six downtown schools. The project was first announced in winter 2014, with planting beginning in spring 2015. The project designs are inspired by the natural world, incorporating elements such as trees, rocks and shade to create a diverse landscape for children to explore.
• Sustainable Cities and Communities
  Improving Traffic Flow -5705 square metres of new asphalt were used to resurface the Eireann Quay roadway as part of our efforts to reduce vehicle traffic and idling at the airport by improving the efficiency of traffic flow through elements of the Billy Bishop City Side Modernization Project.

  • Did you know? During the second phase of the Billy Bishop Airport City Side Modernization project, Billy Bishop Airport implemented permeable paving to reduce storm water runoff and urban heat island effect – as recommended in the Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment. 

• Single-Use Plastics
  Since 2016, the water refilling stations in Billy Bishop Airport’s passenger lounges have saved more than 360,000 plastic water bottles from being sent to landfills.

• Reducing Billy Bishop Airport's Environmental Footprint
  Billy Bishop Airport is committed to reducing its environmental footprint through initiatives including:

  • A Cleaner, Greener, and Quieter Airport Ferry - Converting the Marilyn Bell I airport ferry to 100 per cent electric power.

    • Billy Bishop Airport’s conversion of Marilyn Bell I passenger/vehicle ferry to electric-power will significantly reduce noise associated with ferry operations and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 530 tonnes per year.

  • Using fuel efficient and hybrid vehicles for airport maintenance operations, with 42 per cent of the Airport’s fleet technology already converted to this green technology and a phased replacement of all operational vehicles to hybrid models by 2020.
  • Encouraging Alternative Transportation to Billy Bishop Airport-Billy Bishop Airport encourages passengers to use green transportation to get to and from the airport. 41 per cent of travellers walk, bike or take transit from Billy Bishop Airport – one of the highest percentages in North America.

  • Bike Racks and Maintenance Station-As part of continued efforts to reduce vehicle traffic associated with the airport by encouraging greener methods of transportation, Billy Bishop Airport has incorporated bike racks that are conveniently located on both the island and mainland, as well as a bicycle maintenance station for cyclist use.  

  • Billy Bishop Airport has implemented several initiatives aimed at reducing the emissions from its vehicle fleet and maintenance equipment, including: 

    • Implemented all-electric litter vacuum and maintenance tools at Billy Bishop Airport; 
    • Replaced end of life-cycle, gas-powered equipment for grass and vegetation control with battery-operated technology; and,
    • Replaced the mail-service delivery vehicle with a high-efficiency diesel engine that will provide better fuel efficiency and lower emissions.