This past Saturday, March 29, the GTAA joined millions of others across the globe to reduce energy consumption in support of Earth Hour–-an event created to deliver a powerful message about the need for action on global warming. In preparing for Earth Hour, the GTAA found permanent ways to reduce its energy use on a daily basis.

The GTAA was a proud and successful participant in Canada’s first ever Earth Hour. In fact, Toronto Pearson International Airport was the first airport in North America to register for this landmark event. Through a reduction of Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems and lighting in Terminals 1 and 3, reduced lighting in the Central Utilities Plant, and operating only one of the two LINK Trains that connect the terminals to offsite parking, the GTAA met its goal: reducing energy consumption by approximately 10%, which equates to about three and a half megawatts (MW). Typical hourly usage for Toronto Pearson averages between 30 and 38 MW. The reduction rate was based on comparing the amount of consumption from 8-9 p.m. to the amount of consumption during the same hours the week before (March 22).

“The impact was significant,” said Craig Rock, GTAA Energy Management Manager, “and there wasn’t a single complaint from travellers or tenants, despite darker terminals with reduced heating.” Rock credits this to good promotion and awareness of the event across the airport and across the city. Airport users were advised of the Earth Hour participation by way of public address announcements and by a scrolling message on the LINK Train platforms. In fact, some participants were so unaffected that they didn’t want to turn the lights back on when the hour concluded at 9 p.m.

Not only did Toronto Pearson’s participation in Earth Hour help impact the strong message across the globe, but it also led the GTAA to identify additional ways to reduce energy consumption on a daily basis. The GTAA’s participation led to the identification of certain areas within the terminals where interior lighting levels can be reduced on a permanent basis. The GTAA is committed to finding solutions aimed at minimizing its environmental impact, and will continue to work to this end.

The GTAA was also pleased that industry partners such as Nav Canada and Cara Airline Solutions took part, reducing their electrical consumption where possible as they balanced safety with operational requirements.

The GTAA would like to thank everyone who participated in making its first ever Earth Hour a glowing success. Everyone is encouraged to continue thinking green and to continue thinking of new ways to reduce their carbon footprint. Remember, it's not about the one hour, its about the future.

For additional information about Earth Hour, please visit the official websites at www.earthhour.org or www.wwf.ca/EarthHour and see the difference you can make on an ongoing basis.