Green gong for Newcastle Airport’s new terminal

“Newcastle Airport has demonstrated how major infrastructure can reduce its environmental impact while creating lasting value for passengers, the community and the region,” she said.

“We congratulate the team on setting a new benchmark for sustainable airport development in Australia.”

According to Newcastle Airport CEO Linc Horton, sustainability had been embedded into the project “from the very beginning”, and that the expansion “gave [the airport] permission to fundamentally rethink how we design assets, source energy, finance projects and plan for long-term operations”.

“We see sustainability as integral to running a better airport for our region, with our sustainability strategy extending well beyond the terminal itself,” he said.

“We’ve achieved net zero Scope 1 and 2 emissions six years ahead of target, transitioned to 100 per cent renewable electricity and our solar installations now generate between 20 and 30 per cent of the airport’s electricity demand.

“We also secured a sustainability-linked finance facility with Commonwealth Bank, directly linking financing performance to sustainability outcomes. That demonstrates sustainability is core to how we run the business.”

VIEW ALL

>

Newcastle Airport chair Samantha Martin-Williams said the certification recognises the airport’s “commitment to delivering infrastructure that supports both economic growth and environmental responsibility, while setting a new benchmark for sustainable airport development in Australia”.

“Being the first airport terminal building in Australia to achieve a 5 Star Green Star certification under the new rating tool is a remarkable achievement and reflects the ambition of our airport, our partners and our region,” she said.

“As the Hunter continues to emerge as a national leader in innovation, renewable energy, advanced manufacturing and sustainable development, Newcastle Airport has an important role to play in connecting our region to new opportunities.

“As the region’s global gateway, we help drive tourism, trade, investment and jobs, while strengthening the Hunter’s connections to national and international markets.

“At a time when Australia is focused on delivering a Future Made in Australia, Newcastle Airport is helping position the Hunter at the forefront of that future, supporting industry growth, enabling new opportunities and demonstrating what sustainable regional infrastructure can achieve.”

Newcastle opened its new terminal building in September last year ahead of the launch of its first year-round international route, a Jetstar service to Bali. The airport has also attracted new domestic services, including to Hobart and Perth.