The Fort McMurray International Airport is being recognized for efforts to reduce its carbon footprint.

They’ve officially received level one certification from the Airports Council International – World’s Global Airport Carbon Accreditation program.

Through its six levels of certification, the program acknowledges airports at different stages in their journey towards ‘comprehensive carbon management.’

The first recognizes proper ‘mapping’ for emission sources and levels.

According to the YMM Airport, they’ve been able to cut emissions by 22 per cent since 2019.

“We can only see that improving over time as we progress through each stage of the program,” said RJ Steenstra, President and CEO of the Fort McMurray Airport Authority.

Some of the initiatives undertaken include introducing a policy to eliminate idling of vehicles and reducing electricity consumed to light the runway and taxiway.

“Working through each certification level in this program will only enhance our progress towards environmentally sustainable operations,” added Cuyler Green, Vice President of Operations, Fort McMurray Airport Authority.

The YMM airport is just one of 18 across North America who’ve managed to receive level one certification.

The Edmonton International Airport is the only other one in Alberta.

These 18 account for one per cent of air traffic across the continent.

“This is a great example of the social corporate responsibility for which our region is known,” noted Mayor Don Scott.

Over the last two years, airports from across the globe have combined to cut nearly 323,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions.