Newcastle Airport Reaches Significant Milestone in Sustainability, Only the 2nd Airport in Australia to Reach Level 4 Airport Carbon Accreditation by Airports Council International (ACI)

Newcastle Airport has achieved a significant milestone in its sustainability journey by being only the second airport in Australia to meet all requirements to enter the Airport Carbon Accreditation Program at Level 4 - Transformation.

The program, initiated by the trade association of the world’s airports, Airports Council International (ACI), is the only institutionally endorsed, carbon management certification standard for airports worldwide, and recognises airports’ commitment to reducing their carbon footprint.

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, which is a huge achievement for Newcastle Airport.

The Level 4 - transformation status acknowledges Newcastle Airports’ carbon management strategy towards absolute emissions reductions and approach of 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,” said Newcastle Airport CEO Dr Peter Cock.

“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," said Dr Cock.

Georgina Chalker, Newcastle Airport's Executive Manager People, Safety and Environment, shared her excitement about the achievement.

“Sustainability has been a key focus for us over the last few years, and we have made great strides in reducing our carbon footprint. We are 100% net zero in carbon emissions for our electricity and committed to achieving net zero for emissions within our operational control by no later than 2030. We are partnering with our stakeholders to further reduce our total emissions footprint,” said Ms Chalker.

Stefano Baronci, Director General of ACI Asia-Pacific recognised the achievement for Newcastle Airport.

“We are proud of Newcastle Airport’s excellent achievement in reducing carbon emissions and setting an example for airports in the region. Newcastle Airport is firmly positioning itself as one of the leaders in efficient carbon management and this achievement truly demonstrates its firm commitment to invest in a more sustainable future. It’s encouraging to see airports making tremendous efforts to adapt to the impact of climate change and enhance climate-resilience in an era of unprecedented challenges for the industry,” said Mr Baronci.

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.
 

Sustainability Timeline
July 2021 – 99kw solar system installed onto Newcastle Airport Hangar.
August 2021 - Newcastle Airport became a Bronze Member of the Sustainability Advantage Recognition Scheme.
November 2022 – Public commitment to Newcastle Airport achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by no later than 2023 for our scope 1 and 2 emissions.
2022 – 2023 – Terminal and Astra buildings designed to target a 5-star Green Star rating accreditation through the Green Building Council of Australia.
February 2023 – Newcastle Airport signed an energy purchase agreement with Flow Power.
May 2023 – Newcastle Airport enters the Airport Carbon Accreditation Program at Level 4 – Transformation.