Electrifying Montreal International Airport: A Living Lab Demonstrating Stakeholder-Driven Pathways to Decarbonization of Major Infrastructure

Summary

Montréal International Airport, one of Canada’s busiest, has significant opportunities to reduce its carbon footprint and increase electrification. Currently relying on energy-intensive systems, the airport aims to integrate sustainable solutions into its operations to support electrification and decarbonization efforts, while improving the experience for passengers and employees.

The project will focus on five key objectives: developing measurement protocols to track energy use and emissions, optimizing building operations, designing alternative energy sources, creating energy flexibility and resilience solutions, and exploring financing models for implementation. With the airport undergoing a multibillion-dollar expansion under ACCESS 2030, there’s a unique opportunity to integrate the research directly into real-world infrastructure.

By working toward net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040, this project will provide scalable, stakeholder-driven solutions that can be applied to airports and large buildings across Canada. The project will deliver economic, social, and environmental benefits, lowering energy costs, improving comfort, and accelerating the transition to a low-carbon future.