Environmental Management

Hamilton International is committed to protecting the environment and reducing the impact of our operations on the communities we serve. We’re working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve resource efficiency and support a more sustainable future for aviation through responsible environmental management, sustainable practices and collaboration with our partners. As part of the Vantage Group network, we share a broader commitment to advancing environmental performance and pursuing long-term emissions reduction objectives.

Hamilton International participates in Airports Council International’s Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) program, which independently recognizes airports for their efforts to measure, manage and reduce carbon emissions.

Using 2023 as our baseline year, we track greenhouse gas emissions across two categories:

• Scope 1: Direct emissions from airport-controlled sources, such as vehicles and equipment.
• Scope 2: Indirect emissions associated with purchased electricity.

In 2025, Hamilton International’s combined Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions were 8% lower than our 2023 baseline. We continue to monitor our performance and identify opportunities to reduce emissions as part of our long-term environmental commitments.

Hamilton International’s Environmental Management Plan includes the monitoring and management of aircraft de-icing and anti-icing activities during the winter season. Glycol-based solutions are used to remove or prevent snow and ice accumulation on aircraft, supporting safe operations in winter conditions. These activities are carefully managed and may result in temporary odours in the surrounding community.

Aircraft de-icing operations commonly use glycol-based fluids to remove or prevent the accumulation of snow and ice. Hamilton International uses propylene glycol (PG), which is biodegradable and has relatively low toxicity to mammals.

Two types of PG-based fluids are used during winter operations:

• Type I (De-icing): A heated, diluted mixture of water and glycol used to remove existing snow and ice from aircraft surfaces.
• Type IV (Anti-icing): Applied after de-icing to help prevent snow and ice from accumulating before takeoff.

During the winter months, de-icing fluid (glycol) is applied to aircraft on designated de-icing pads. Excess glycol is collected and sent offsite for recycling and reuse, while small amounts of residual glycol are managed through the Airport’s drainage and containment systems.

Snow containing residual glycol is also directed to designated areas, where meltwater is captured and managed. Water from holding ponds and surrounding waterways is regularly monitored to ensure glycol levels remain within approved requirements.

Hamilton International works closely with the City of Hamilton, the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks and the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority to manage glycol responsibly and maintain environmental compliance.