Newcastle Airport is reinforcing its role as an enabler of the Hunter region’s economic diversification, supporting regional efforts in clean energy, broader sustainability goals and a low-carbon future. We are committed to supporting both regional and global efforts in this space and were proud to announce earlier this year that we became the first airport in Australia to achieve Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) 4+ Transition. This achievement places Newcastle Airport in the top 12% of airports worldwide when it comes to reducing our environmental footprint.
We also achieved Net Zero for Scope 1 and 2 emissions six years ahead of our 2030 target.
What Does This Mean?
For those not fluent in 'sustainability speak', this ACA 4+ Transition is a HUGE deal. 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. Think of it as the Oscars for eco-friendly airports.
Our Interim CEO, Andrew Warrender, puts it perfectly: "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.”
How Did We Get Here?
This wasn't an overnight success; it's the result of years of hard work, dedication, and a genuine commitment to sustainability woven into the very fabric of Newcastle Airport. The pathway to this achievement has been paved with a series of strategic initiatives including:
- Collaborating with all stakeholders, including onsite businesses, to support and advance sustainability initiatives.
- All airport energy requirements are now met through renewable sources, thanks to a partnership with an Australian renewable energy retailer.
- Newcastle Airport has invested in local native bushland regeneration projects to offset remaining emissions, working closely with Tasman Environmental Markets.
- The airport’s new international terminal has received a 5-Star Green Star 'Designed' assessment, and the Astra Aerolab precinct targets similar green building standards.
- Over 1,200 solar panels have been installed on the new premium carpark, designed to supply the airport’s future energy needs.
- A $235 million Green Sustainability Linked Loan from CommBank was secured, tying financing directly to sustainability outcomes.
- The airport has also embraced electric vehicle infrastructure, installing EV charging bays for passengers.
It's a Team Effort!
We couldn't have done it without the support of our partners, stakeholders and the entire Greater Hunter community. A big shout out to Tarambo Environmental Services for helping us calculate our carbon footprint and navigate the ACA process.
ACI Asia-Pacific & Middle East Director General Stefano Baronci says: "As a leader in efficient carbon management, Newcastle Airport exemplifies a strong commitment to sustainability and aligns with our industry’s collective goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2050."
What's Next?
Looking ahead, Newcastle Airport remains committed to supporting the Australian Government’s Future Made in Australia plan and the Hunter region’s transformation into a hub for clean energy production, storage, and export.
The Hunter region has made significant efforts in advancing clean energy and supporting a lower-carbon future through initiatives such as the Hunter-Central Coast Renewable Energy Zone, large-scale renewable energy projects by Hunter Water, the development of the Port of Newcastle’s Clean Energy Precinct focused on hydrogen and clean energy exports, and ongoing collaboration among government, industry, and community stakeholders to expand renewable infrastructure and decarbonise regional industries.
Newcastle Airport will continue supporting the Australian Government’s Future Made in Australia plan to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. We will also continue contributing to and supporting our region's efforts in renewable innovation, as well as supporting global efforts in this space.
As Newcastle Airport Chair Jude Munro AO says, "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.”
As passengers pass through Newcastle Airport, they can feel assured they are supporting an airport dedicated to its role as the Green Gateway to NSW—working alongside the Hunter community to help enable the region’s transition to a more sustainable future by connecting people to the world when its international terminal opens in August 2025 and supporting local efforts in clean energy and environmental care for years to come.