It’s a mission that was kickstarted in July 2021 when a 99kw solar system was installed atop a Newcastle Airport hangar.
Since then, the Williamtown air transport hub has been working to reduce its carbon footprint, aiming to become a leader in sustainability.
The commitment is paying off, with Newcastle Airport named only the second in Australia to reach Level 4 Airport Carbon Accreditation by Airports Council International (ACI).
The program has 508 participants globally and Newcastle Airport is now in the top 61 airports in that group.
There are no airports in Australia with a higher accreditation.
The Level 4 – transformation status acknowledges the airport’s carbon management strategy towards absolute emissions reductions and approach to shaping partnerships to reduce the emissions of airport stakeholders.
“We are thrilled to be only the second airport in Australia and the eighth in the Asia Pacific to have reached level 4 in the Airport Carbon Accreditation Program,” Newcastle Airport CEO Dr Peter Cock said.
“We are committed to being the green gateway to the Hunter and providing a practical demonstration of the new energy transition that is occurring in our region, this includes our new terminal being built to target 5 Star Green Star standard.
“This achievement is a testament to our team’s hard work and commitment and demonstrates our continued commitment to reducing our environmental impact as we grow.
“We know sustainability is a key focus for the government, with the recently announced establishment of a Net Zero Authority.
“We’re proud to be doing our part in the sustainability journey of our region.
“Achieving Level 4 is an important milestone for us, and we are proud to be recognised for our commitment to reducing our carbon footprint.
“It reflects our ongoing efforts to ensure that our operations are sustainable and responsible, and we are committed to continuing our work to reduce emissions further.”
Airport Carbon Accreditation is a comprehensive program that assesses and recognises an airport’s efforts to manage and reduce its carbon emissions.
The program is divided into six levels: Mapping, Reduction, Optimisation, Neutrality, Transformation and Transition, with each level requiring airports to meet specific criteria and implement carbon reduction measures.
Newcastle Airport has been continuing to achieve milestones in sustainability over the past five years.
Its commitment has included becoming a Bronze member of the Sustainability Advantage Recognition Scheme in August 2021, and making a public commitment in November 2022 to achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by no later than 2023 for our scope 1 and 2 emissions.
It is also designing its terminal and Astra buildings to target a 5-star Green Star rating accreditation through the Green Building Council of Australia, signing an energy purchase agreement with Flow Power in February 2023.
For more on Newcastle Airport:
- Construction Control to build Newcastle Airport upgrade
- Newcastle Airport upgrade plans soaring
- Newcastle Airport gets $240 million boost
- Newcastle Airport gets $55 million investment
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