Prabh Banga
Age: 30
Manager, Strategy and Corporate Sustainability
Toronto Pearson International Airport
- Alma Mater: McMaster University and Dalhousie University
- Something people may not know about me: My middle name is Kaur, which is derived from Sikhism and means Princess in Punjabi. I work as a part-time Professor teaching Corporate Sustainability at Seneca College
- Favorite book: A Fine Balance
- Favorite TV show: I do not watch much TV unless it’s to watch the news or the weather
- Favorite movie: Gladiator
- Favorite hobby(s): Being a tourist in my own city, traveling to learn about other cultures, trying different vegetarian dishes, arts and crafts and last but not least supporting my home team the Raptors!
Prabh Banga’s environmental journey began in 1992 when she discovered a passion for green living after watching the cartoon movie, “Ferngully: The Last Rainforest.” Since then, she has been an avid environmentalist, working to cultivate sustainability within her personal and professional life.
The aviation industry is a changing environment, said Banga. “Travel habits have changed drastically. Sustainability was much different 20 years ago. But now I see passengers and communities looking to airports to be innovative,” she said. “So it’s exciting to be in aviation as airports embed sustainability into their operations.”
Banga leads the development and delivery of Toronto Pearson’s Airport’s corporate sustainability strategy. “My vision is to create a strong culture of sustainability embedding it into all of the airport’s business units,” she said. “I love being able to talk to people across all parts of the airport – operations, communications, HR, finance and more.”
The job gives Banga a window into the world, working across the multiple parts of the airport’s business, including customer service, facilities management and safety. “I can draw upon a range of different disciplines to come up with solutions that address environmental, economic and social needs,” she said. “Solving problems and thinking about how the airport can have a bigger positive impact and putting those ideas into action is really exciting and rewarding.”
While fulfilling its role as a catalyst for economic and social development, Banga believes that the industry also has a central role to play when it comes to addressing critical issues such as access to sustainable energy, sustainable transport, poverty eradication and sustainable development goals.
“The role and impact of international aviation is central to these issues. Aviation needs to strike for a balance among the three pillars of sustainability – social, economic and environmental,” said Banga. “This will allow air transport to grow in a sustainable manner, while continuing to ensure freedom to travel by air.”
Sustainability outside of the airport is a big part of Banga’s life. She’s active in the organization Partners in Project Green, which works with companies to help promote the adoption of sustainable business practices. She’s also on ACI-NA’s Environmental Affairs committee, where she helps share best practices on sustainability.
“I also write for an environmental lifestyle magazine, where I share tips on how to incorporate sustainability practices in your life,” said Banga. “People want to do this, but just need the right support.”
