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In a groundbreaking achievement that sets a new gold standard for environmental stewardship in the aviation sector, has become the first airport in Australia to secure the prestigious Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) Level 4+ Transition. This milestone places the airport among the elite 12% of airports worldwide recognized for their advanced sustainability efforts, signalling a transformative shift in the country’s approach to aviation and climate responsibility.

The Airport Carbon Accreditation, administered by Airports Council International (ACI), is the only globally recognized carbon management certification specifically for airports. This rigorous program evaluates and acknowledges the efforts of airports to measure, manage, and reduce their carbon emissions, spanning seven progressive levels: ‘Mapping,’ ‘Reduction,’ ‘Optimisation,’ ‘Neutrality,’ ‘Transformation,’ ‘Transition,’ and the pinnacle, ‘Level 5.’ Achieving Level 4+ Transition demonstrates Newcastle Airport’s unwavering dedication to sustainability and alignment with global climate goals, including the Paris Agreement.

A Vision Aligned with National and Global Climate Goals

Andrew Warrender, Interim CEO of Newcastle Airport, expressed pride in this landmark accomplishment, emphasizing its significance in national and global contexts.

“Achieving ACA Level 4+ Transition underscores our long-term, strategic commitment to reducing our carbon footprint and supports the Australian Government’s Future Made in Australia initiative to reach net zero emissions by 2050,” Warrender stated. “This recognition is not just a testament to our dedication but a signal to the entire aviation sector that meaningful, sustainable change is possible.”

Warrender highlighted that achieving such a high level of accreditation requires a sustained, organization-wide effort focused on long-term emissions reductions and integrating sustainable practices into every facet of airport operations.

“Level 4+ signifies that we are truly transitioning away from carbon dependence and embedding sustainability into our long-term future. Newcastle Airport is proud to be at the forefront of this global movement, demonstrating that airports can play a pivotal role in meeting Net Zero targets alongside advancements in Sustainable Aviation Fuel and hydrogen technology.”

Leading the Charge: The Green Gateway to New South Wales

Newcastle Airport’s sustainability journey is deeply intertwined with its broader mission to serve as the ‘Green Gateway’ to New South Wales. The airport actively contributes to the Hunter Region’s transformation into a clean energy production, storage, and export hub by integrating renewable energy solutions and green infrastructure. This aligns seamlessly with initiatives like the Hydrogen Hub in Newcastle and the Port of Newcastle’s Clean Energy Precinct.

The airport’s collaboration with Tarambo Environmental Services played a crucial role in calculating its carbon footprint for the ACA program. This partnership and strategic investments in renewable energy and carbon offset projects enabled Newcastle Airport to achieve Net Zero Scope 1 and 2 emissions in 2024—an impressive six years ahead of its 2030 target.

Key Initiatives Driving the ACA 4+ Achievement

Newcastle Airport’s road to ACA Level 4+ Transition is marked by a series of bold, strategic initiatives aimed at reducing carbon emissions across all operational scopes:

100% Renewable Energy: All of the airport’s energy requirements are now met entirely through renewable sources, thanks to a partnership with a leading Australian renewable energy retailer.
Carbon Offsetting: Collaborating with Tasman Environmental Markets, the airport offsets all residual Scope 1 and corporate travel emissions by investing in native bushland regeneration projects across New South Wales.
Scope 3 Emissions Management: Beyond its direct emissions, Newcastle Airport is also addressing Scope 3 emissions, which include those from aircraft operations, passenger and staff surface access, and third-party operators. Notable initiatives include:
- Achieving a 5-Star Green Star ‘Designed’ assessment for the international terminal build in September 2024.
- Offsetting all staff travel emissions.
- Six electric vehicle (EV) charging bays for passenger use will be installed in June 2023.
Green Financing: The airport converted existing loan funding into a $235 million CommBank Green Sustainability Linked Loan, tying financial performance to specific sustainability outcomes.
Sustainable Infrastructure: The airport’s Astra Aerolab buildings target a ‘5-Star Green-Star’ rating or LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) accreditations, ensuring that sustainability is embedded in every aspect of infrastructure development.
Solar Power Initiatives: A newly constructed premium covered carpark roof now supports 1,236 solar panels, designed to meet a significant portion of the airport’s energy needs.

Industry Recognition and Future Outlook

The airport’s efforts have not gone unnoticed on the global stage. Stefano Baronci, Director General of ACI Asia-Pacific & Middle East, lauded Newcastle Airport for its exemplary leadership in carbon management.

“Newcastle Airport’s achievement of ACA Level 4+ Transition is a remarkable milestone that sets a high standard for airports across the region. This accomplishment exemplifies a robust commitment to sustainability and aligns with our industry’s collective goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2050,” Baronci commented.

Newcastle Airport Chair Jude Munro AO echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the broader implications of this achievement for the region and the nation.

“Reaching ACA 4+ Transition represents years of strategic commitment to transforming the region’s aviation landscape,” Munro stated. “This accreditation is more than just a recognition—it’s a declaration of our commitment to reducing carbon emissions and leading Australia’s aviation sector toward a sustainable future.”

Munro further emphasized Newcastle Airport’s role as a climate champion, pioneering a sustainable blueprint that other airports across Australia and the globe can emulate.

A Blueprint for the Future of Aviation

As Newcastle Airport continues to innovate and lead, its achievements offer a compelling blueprint for the future of aviation. By integrating renewable energy, embracing carbon offset initiatives, and embedding sustainability into every aspect of its operations, the airport has set a new benchmark for Australian airports and demonstrated the transformative power of environmental stewardship in the aviation industry.

For more information about Newcastle Airport’s sustainability initiatives and the Airport Carbon Accreditation program, visit Airports Council International.