New South Wales’ Newcastle Airport has become the first airport in Australia to achieve the prestigious Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) Level 4+ Transition—placing it in the top 12% of airports worldwide for reducing its environmental footprint.
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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.
Newcastle Airport interim CEO Andrew Warrender said, “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.”
Some key milestones of this achievement include:
- Achieving Net Zero Scope 1 and 2 emissions six years ahead of schedule in 2024.
- Partnering with an Aussie renewable energy retailer to run entirely on clean energy.
- Investing in local native bushland regeneration projects to offset remaining emissions.
- Newcastle Airport’s new international terminal has already been awarded a 5-Star Green Star ‘Designed’ assessment.
- Supporting the uptake of electric vehicles by installing EV charging bays for passengers.
- Securing a $235 million Green Sustainability Linked Loan from CommBank.
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Newcastle Airport chair Jude Munro AO said, “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.”
