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Improving terminal waste diversion: Education, engagement and corporate culture at Vancouver International Airport
Journal of Airport Management,
12
(2),
186-197
(2018)
Abstract
Culture is a significant driver in the success of waste reduction and recycling initiatives in any region or organisation. This paper provides information on how the diversion of waste generated from passenger and operational activities (municipal waste) at the Vancouver International Airport was improved over time. For a number of years, waste diversion data indicated that Vancouver International Airport’s waste management strategies had hit a ‘ceiling’ and moving beyond an annual 36 per cent diversion rate presented challenges for the organisation. Three elements combined to overcome the barrier — a regulatory change for how waste is managed, a corporate commitment to increase diversion from terminal operations and the formal expression of accountability, teamwork and innovation as core organisational values. These components, along with a refreshed recycling culture in the Metro Vancouver region, have helped drive an additional 15 per cent improvement in waste diversion. By year end 2016, Vancouver Airport had achieved an annual diversion rate of 51 per cent, exceeding its corporate goal three years ahead of schedule.
Keywords: waste; waste diversion; recycling; engagement; sustainability; culture
The full article is available to subscribers to the journal.
Author's Biography
Marion Town is the Director of Environment for the Vancouver Airport Authority. Most of Marion’s professional career as an environmental planner was practiced outside of the world of airports, but she is hooked now. Marion has over 25 years of experience working on a broad range of projects for municipal, provincial and federal governments, as well as several non-government organisations. Her experience in environmental assessment, energy and emissions planning, waste management, sustainable transportation, fisheries renewal, sustainability and collaborative governance has all been applicable to her work at Vancouver International Airport (YVR). Marion joined the Vancouver Airport Authority in 2014 and leads an innovative team of professionals working to reduce the airport’s environmental footprint. At YVR, Marion ensures that high environmental standards are maintained and is a key player in the successful implementation of various environment and accreditation programmes such as Salmon Safe and Airport Carbon Accreditation.
Shaye Folk-Blagbrough is an environmental specialist with the Vancouver Airport Authority. Shaye has a passion for waste. Not a well understood passion by most, but one that has translated into a mission to dramatically improve Vancouver International Airport’s waste diversion rate. Trained as a biologist, Shaye has a unique tenure in a number of environmental management disciplines within the airport environment. Leading the Vancouver Airport Authority’s waste management programme for Canada’s second busiest airport, she has helped the airport to achieve a 15 per cent improvement in its waste diversion within two years and realise YVR’s corporate goal of 50 per cent waste diversion by 2020 three years ahead of schedule.
