At Air Canada, we are mindful of the impact that our use of energy and natural resources has on the environment.

To minimize the generation of waste as well as the emission of CO2 and other gases, Air Canada has developed an Environmental Management System based on the principles of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). The ISO's standard on environmental management (ISO 14000) provides a structured approach to help companies minimize how their operations affect the environment and to help ensure compliance with industry regulations and corporate commitments.

Providing a continual cycle of planning, implementation, and review, Air Canada’s Environmental Management System ensures continuous improvement in our efforts towards meeting the mandates of our Environmental Policy, which is approved by our Board of Directors.

Our Environmental Policy Air Canada is committed to safeguarding the environment and to the prevention or reduction of the adverse environmental impacts of its operations worldwide. We will achieve environmental excellence by maintaining a management system to meet the following commitments:

• Comply with applicable environmental legislation and regulation, and any other requirements to which Air Canada subscribes
• Identify, prioritize, and address environmental risks
• Maintain corporate environmental policies and standards to operate the airline in an environmentally responsible manner
• Set and review strategies, objectives, and targets to ensure continuous improvement of environmental performance year after year
• Make environment a component of business decisions, ensuring the environment is considered in planning new (and in making changes to existing) materials, processes, equipment, and facilities
• Prevent pollution at source
• Use resources efficiently
• Minimize waste and emissions
• Communicate with stakeholders, such as governments, non-governmental organizations, industry peers, suppliers, employees, unions, customers, and communities to resolve problems, engender co-operation, facilitate mutual understanding, and contribute to the development of responsible and cost-effective environmental standards and legislation
• Conduct ongoing audits, take corrective action, and monitor progress
• Provide leadership on environmental matters and hold management accountable
• Achieve the specific environmental targets and objectives the Corporation has developed, and/or provide training and resources to better meet them
• Ensure employee compliance with Air Canada’s environmental policies and procedures

Montie Brewer
President and CEO, Air Canada

Environmental Management System


Corporate objectives

Air Canada has set five main environmental objectives:

1. Optimize energy consumption and minimize emissions resulting from air and ground operations including aircraft maintenance
2. Minimize noise from aircraft operations
3. Ensure efficient use of resources, minimal waste generation, and appropriate waste disposal
4. Respond effectively to accidental release of potentially harmful or hazardous substances and eliminate the future occurrence of similar incidents
5. Promote sound environmental management policies and practices throughout the company

To fulfill these objectives, each operating unit and subsidiary establishes, implements, and maintains its own environmental objectives and targets based on the specific environmental impact of the unit's activities and operations. In addition to complying with all regulatory requirements established for the industry, each unit is encouraged to identify and implement additional opportunities, strategies, and initiatives to further contribute to the corporation’s environmental objectives.

Roles and Responsibilities