Hold onto your boarding passes! Newcastle Airport has just cemented its place as a sustainability champion, becoming the first airport in Australia to achieve the prestigious Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) Level 4+ Transition! That's right, we're talking about reaching the top 12% of airports worldwide when it comes to reducing our environmental footprint.
What Does This Mean?
For those not fluent in 'sustainability speak', this ACA 4+ Transition is a HUGE deal. Run by the Airports Council International (ACI), the ACA is the only globally recognised program for airports committed to managing and slashing their carbon emissions. Think of it as the Oscars for eco-friendly airports.
Our Interim CEO, Andrew Warrender, puts it perfectly: "Level 4+ recognises that we are truly transitioning away from carbon reliance and embedding sustainability into our long-term future. It shows we're not just paying lip service; we're serious about making real, lasting changes that align with the Australian Government's goal of net-zero emissions by 2050.”
How Did We Get Here?
This wasn't an overnight success; it's the result of years of hard work, dedication, and a genuine commitment to sustainability woven into the very fabric of Newcastle Airport.
Some of the key milestones include:
- Smashing our targets: Achieved Net Zero Scope 1 and 2 emissions six years ahead of schedule, in 2024!
- Powering up with renewables: Partnering with an Aussie renewable energy retailer to run entirely on clean energy.
- Offsetting our footprint: Investing in local native bushland regeneration projects to offset remaining emissions.
- Building green: Our new international terminal has already been awarded a 5-Star Green Star 'Designed' assessment.
- Embracing EVs: Supporting the uptake of electric vehicles by installing EV charging bays for passengers.
- Sustainable financing: Securing a $235 million Green Sustainability Linked Loan from CommBank.
It's a Team Effort!
We couldn't have done it without the support of our partners, stakeholders and the entire Greater Hunter community. A big shout out to Tarambo Environmental Services for helping us calculate our carbon footprint and navigate the ACA process.
ACI Asia-Pacific & Middle East Director General Stefano Baronci says: "As a leader in efficient carbon management, Newcastle Airport exemplifies a strong commitment to sustainability and aligns with our industry’s collective goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2050."
What's Next?
Newcastle Airport will continue supporting the Australian Government’s Future Made in Australia plan to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. We will also continue contributing to and supporting our region's efforts in renewable innovation, as well as supporting global efforts in this space.
As Newcastle Airport Chair Jude Munro AO says, "We're leading the region as climate champions and pioneering a sustainable blueprint for Australia's aviation future. We're committed to continuous improvement and pushing the boundaries of what's possible in sustainable aviation.”
So next time you're flying through Newcastle Airport, you can feel good knowing you're supporting an airport that's not only connecting you to amazing destinations but also working hard to protect those destinations for future generations.
Take a moment to see how much sustainability means to us!