Gemma Askeland: Regulatory and Environmental Specialist

With a background in Environmental Biology, Gemma Askeland has been working in the environmental field for over 18 years now. She started her career as an environmental research assistant for the Hammond River Angling Association, a non-profit environmental organization in Kings County, whose mandate is to protect and preserve the Hammond River watershed through education, conservation, and community interaction. Following that experience, she transitioned to the New Brunswick Department of Environment before making a shift to the aviation sector where she led Jazz Aviation’s Environmental Programs in Halifax as an Environmental Specialist. Longing to come back to her home province, Gemma seized the opportunity to join the Greater Moncton Roméo Leblanc International Airport in 2012 as a Project Coordinator for their runway extension initiative. One year later, Gemma became the Airport Environmental Specialist and has since been the backbone of their environmental and sustainability journey.
Thanks for participating in this campaign Gemma, please tell us more about your inspirations and motivations to work in sustainability and take climate action in your organization.
I think it’s important for all companies to engage in sustainability but feel some have a larger role to play. I believe the Greater Moncton Roméo Leblanc International Airport will be a leader in this area in the coming years and I’m excited to be a part of that.
What is one myth about sustainability that you wish you could dispel?
Sustainability is not just about the environment.
What is one thing you wish more people knew about integrating sustainability into their work or operations?
I think it is important to remember that individual actions can make a big impact. By taking action, you passively encourage others to do the same.
Could you share a project you’ve contributed to that advances New Brunswick’s transition to a low-carbon economy?
The Greater Moncton Roméo Leblanc International Airport was a participant in the Airport Council International’s Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) Program from 2016 to 2020. Through the implementation of retrofit projects for lights and the installation of a voltage optimization system, we’ve successfully reduced our carbon footprint during that time. We are continuing our carbon reduction journey and will be re-entering the Airport Carbon Accreditation program in 2023. We are also very excited to be expanding our sustainability work with our management partner, Vantage Airport Group and with Green Economy New Brunswick.
Thanks for #leadingthechange in New Brunswick Gemma!
Join The Greater Moncton Roméo Leblanc International Airport and other Green Economy Leaders who are taking action on climate change and leading New Brunswick’s low carbon transition!