NAV CANADA is proud to introduce its inaugural Climate Action and Environment StrategyOpen a new window – a comprehensive, company-wide framework designed to reduce emissions, embed sustainability across our operations and support a greener future for the aviation industry.
As Canada’s air navigation service provider, NAV CANADA plays a unique role in shaping the future of flight. This strategy reflects our commitment to leading responsibly – aligning our operations with climate priorities outlined by the UN Global Compact and setting a clear path toward long-term sustainability.
“For NAV CANADA, sustainability is both a responsibility and an opportunity,” says Mark Cooper, President and Chief Executive Officer at NAV CANADA. “Our Climate Action and Environment Strategy centres on efficiency and accountability, helping us reduce our impact and continue to deliver safe, reliable service. As part of the aviation ecosystem, we also play a vital role in supporting airlines and airports as they advance their sustainability goals.”
A clear path forward
The Climate Action and Environment StrategyOpen a new window provides clear direction on how we prioritize and implement environmental initiatives across our business. At its core, the strategy is about integrating sustainability into how we work every day across infrastructure, operations and decision-making. It includes:
- Strong governance, through a dedicated internal committee, to track progress and ensure accountability
- A focus on high-impact areas, such as our supply chain, facilities, ground vehicles, inspection aircraft and CNS (communications, navigation and surveillance) equipment
- A step-by-step project process, guiding how climate-related initiatives are assessed, prioritized, executed and continuously improved
By creating a consistent, measurable approach, this plan sets us up to deliver meaningful results – not just short-term wins, but lasting progress.
Why this matters – for NAV CANADA and beyond
Aviation is a vital part of Canada’s economy and connectivity – but it also faces real climate challenges. As global expectations evolve, so must the way we operate. Our approach to sustainability is a proactive response to that shift. It positions NAV CANADA to:
- Make operational decisions with sustainability top of mind
- Contribute to national and global climate targets
- Collaborate more effectively with industry partners and stakeholders
- Create long-term value for our customers, the aviation sector, and the communities we serve
- Pursue these goals through a framework that is both effective and financially sustainable
“This strategy is about turning ambition into action – giving us the structure, tools and direction to lead with impact and operate with intention at every level of the organization,” says Michael Belanger, Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer at NAV CANADA.
Five pathways to reduce emissions
To help achieve our long-term net-zero commitment, the strategy introduces five key emissions reduction pathways. These focus areas reflect where we, as an air navigation service provider, can have the greatest impact:
- Sustainable procurement: Embedding sustainability into purchasing decisions and supplier relationship to reduce environmental impacts across our value chain.
- Asset optimization: Ensuring our equipment and infrastructure are used efficiently and deliver maximum performance. For example, through our NAVAID Modernization Program, we’re phasing out outdated systems and shifting to cleaner, more sustainable technology.
- Energy efficiency: Cutting energy use in our facilities and operations by improving heating and cooling systems and upgrading older equipment with modern, energy-saving alternatives.
- Electrification: Reducing reliance on fossil fuels by exploring options like electric vehicles and modern building systems.
- Clean energy: Working toward powering our operations with renewable sources, such as green electricity and on-site generation like solar power.
These pathways are designed to be flexible and scalable, offering practical ways to guide decisions at every level of the organization.
What’s ahead
The Climate Action and Environment Strategy builds on work already in motion and provides a structured path to deepen our impact. Implementation planning is underway by defining actions, timelines and metrics to guide progress and ensure accountability.
As we move forward, our focus is turning strategy into action – making measurable progress on emissions, efficiency and sustainable operations at every level of our organization.
