Air Transat completes energy optimization initiative in Montreal
Installation of solar air collector will further reduce carrier’s GHG emissions.
Air Transat is pleased to announce the completion of energy optimization work on its hangar at Montréal–Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport, including installation of a solar air collector, or solar wall, on the west-facing side of the building. The improvements will generate savings of close to 260 tonnes of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions per year, as well as improve temperature control in the hangar for the comfort of technical personnel.
“We are extremely proud to be one of the first companies in Montreal to adopt this kind of system,” said Jean-François Lemay, General Manager, Air Transat. “Our decision to invest in the energy efficiency of our buildings is yet more proof of our intent to constantly improve our environmental performance and provide our employees with a quality work environment, from a perspective of sustainability.”
The solar air collector system installed by Johnson Controls will pre-heat air entering the hangar during the colder winter months. Replacement of the ventilation units and installation of a probe-based control system will have a twofold benefit: balancing air pressure and eliminating heat stratification, i.e., the difference in temperature between the hangar floor and ceiling. Besides significantly reducing GHG emissions, these energy-efficiency measures will lower the building’s heating cost by approximately 30%.
In 2014, Air Transat became the first North American air carrier to complete the first stage of the International Air Transportation Association (IATA) Environmental Assessment (IEnvA) Program, IATA's seal of excellence for environmental best practices. In addition, in 2011 it received the first LEED-EB® Platinum certification ever awarded in Canada, for its head office building. And recently, the company installed four electric-vehicle charging stations, which it makes available to employees at head office.
To learn more about Transat and Air Transat corporate responsibility initiatives, visit resp.transat.com.