News & Resources
The latest Thompson Okanagan tourism industry news from TOTA, tourism businesses, and communities.
Air Canada Commits To Net Zero Emissions Goal By 2050
Air Canada is focused on investing in innovative, long term, sustainable emission reduction solutions. Absolute 2030 midterm GHG reduction targets have been set to ensure meaningful progress towards Air Canada's ambitions net zero goal while the airline, technology and energy sectors are transitioning to low carbon alternatives.
The airline has set ambitious climate targets to realize a goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) throughout its global operations by 2050. To reach this, Air Canada has set absolute midterm GHG net reduction targets by 2030 in its air and ground operations compared to its 2019 baseline, and has committed to investing $50 Million in Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), and carbon reductions and removals.
Zero Emissions by 2050
"Economic growth and sustainability are equally important, and we have a strong track record for both. Despite the severe impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, we remain deeply committed to long-term sustainability. Climate change is critical, and we believe we can and must do more to address this for the future of our environment. This is why we are further embedding climate considerations into our strategic decision-making, and undertaking a very ambitious plan that is meaningful, will support Canada's leadership position on climate change, advance de-carbonization in the airline industry while keeping fares affordable for customers.”
-Michael Rousseau, President and Chief Executive Officer at Air Canada.
Air Canada’s Investments In Emission Reduction Solutions
Air Canada is very focused on investing in innovative, long-term emission reduction solutions. Absolute 2030 midterm GHG reduction targets have been set to ensure meaningful progress towards Air Canada's ambitions net zero goal while the airline, technology and energy sectors are transitioning to low carbon alternatives.
The airline has identified the following key carbon reduction pillars:
Fleet and operations: Air Canada will continue deploying its newly modernized and energy efficient Airbus A220 and Boeing 737 MAX narrow-body fleets, continue to integrate climate factors in route and fleet planning, phase out carbon-intensive ground equipment, further advance electric vehicles and seek other electrification opportunities.
Innovation: Further evaluate the viability, safety and performance of new electric, hydrogen or hybrid operational technologies, and other innovations such as short-haul transportation opportunities and electric drones.
Sustainable Aviation Fuels and clean energy: Air Canada will invest $50 Million in SAF and other low carbon aviation fuel (LCAF) development, evaluate the practical applications of renewable energy sources such as biogas and renewable electricity, and energy transition measures.
Carbon Reduction and Removals: Air Canada will explore carbon negative emission technologies and other direct emission reduction and removal strategies in addition to further developing its carbon offset strategy for CORSIA compliance, customer offerings and more.
25 Free Virtual Energy Assessments Available to Thompson Okanagan Tourism Businesses
TOTA is offering 25 Virtual Energy Assessments to tourism and/or hospitality businesses within the Thompson Okanagan region at no cost. The process is simple, streamlined, and designed to increase efficiency and reduce operational costs.
TOTA is offering 25 Energy Assessments to tourism and/or hospitality businesses within the Thompson Okanagan region at no cost.
What are the benefits?
Opportunities to reduce your electricity, gas and other energy bills
Access FortisBC and BC Hydro rebates for upgrading your lighting, HVAC and other equipment
Special access to some FortisBC programs exclusively available only through our FortisBC funded Energy Analyst
Understand and improve operational efficiencies of your business
Optimizing energy efficiency is an opportunity to reduce your organization's carbon footprint
The energy assessment process is simple and streamlined:
Book your 10 minute onboarding call with TOTA's Energy Analyst.
Your company will provide utility bills (if required) + a list of your lighting, HVAC and other equipment.
TOTA will analyze your lighting, equipment, and utility bill data to understand your energy usage and provide a report summarizing energy and cost-saving opportunities, plus implementation support if required.
We can also assist you with completing FortisBC and BC Hydro rebate applications.
