Lafarge Aids Major Runway Modernization at Vancouver International Airport
Lafarge Canada, a leading provider of sustainable building materials and a member of the Holcim Group, has been selected as the subcontractor for the paving of the Vancouver International Airport (YVR) North Runway Modernization Program. This initiative, estimated at $133 million, will upgrade the runway and improve drainage and electrical systems to ensure the longevity and resilience of this critical piece of airport infrastructure.
Working in collaboration with Kiewit, Lafarge will provide durable, high-performance asphalt solutions that meet airport runway construction needs, including resistance to heavy aircraft loads and diverse weather conditions. The North Runway Program involves a full asphalt overlay of the runway and connecting taxiways, with construction scheduled to begin in the spring of 2025 and conclude in the fall. Construction is planned to occur during nightly runway closures to minimize disruptions to flight schedules and passenger experiences.
Safety is a top priority throughout this project and is supported by YVR’s extensive maintenance program. This program involves continuous monitoring, inspections, and activities to aircraft operations' safety and efficiency. Additionally, the project is expected to generate 100,000 extra person-hours of work, leading to new job opportunities and economic benefits for the region.
"We are pleased to be selected to work on this landmark project at Vancouver International Airport and look forward to contributing our expertise in asphalt solutions. Leveraging decades of expertise, Lafarge is setting a benchmark in sustainability and durability by delivering infrastructure that not only meets the rigorous performance requirements of a world-class airport but also minimizes its environmental impact.”
A key milestone in this project is Lafarge’s use of Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) for all asphalt mixes—the first time Lafarge has implemented this in Canada. EPDs provide transparent, verified data on the environmental impacts of the materials, highlighting Lafarge’s commitment to sustainable building practices. Additionally, to further reduce the project’s carbon footprint, Lafarge will incorporate 10,000 tonnes of asphalt containing 30 percent recycled content for the runway shoulders, alongside energy-efficient production techniques and advanced asphalt formulations.
This project further reinforces Lafarge's role in Canada’s infrastructure transformation and its leadership in sustainable construction. As part of the global Holcim Group, Lafarge continues to drive innovation in green construction technologies, supporting the transition to more resilient and eco-friendly infrastructure across Canada.
