WORLD Environment Day arrived with a major milestone for Newcastle Airport, with its Terminal Expansion becoming the first airport terminal in Australia to achieve a 5 Star Green Star Buildings ‘As Built’ certification.
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The certification, awarded by the Green Building Council of Australia,utilised its green-star rating tool to recognise the sustainability initiatives incorporated into the terminal expansion.
These included energy efficiency, operational performance, environmental impact reduction and sustainable building practices.
Green Building Council of Australia CEO Davina Rooney said the achievement set a new standard for the aviation sector.
“Newcastle Airport has demonstrated how major infrastructure can reduce its environmental impact while creating lasting value for passengers, the community and the region,” Ms Rooney said.
“We congratulate the team on setting a new benchmark for sustainable airport development in Australia.”
Newcastle Airport CEO Linc Horton said sustainability had been a key consideration throughout the project.
“We were undertaking a major capital expansion and that gave us permission to fundamentally rethink how we design assets, source energy, finance projects and plan for long-term operations,” Mr Horton said.
“We see sustainability as integral to running a better airport for our region, with our sustainability strategy extending well beyond the terminal itself.
“We’ve achieved net zero Scope one and two 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.”
Newcastle Airport Chair Samantha Martin-Williams said the certification was a significant achievement for both the airport and the Hunter region.
“This certification recognises Newcastle 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,” Ms Martin-Williams said.
Since the international terminal was completed last year, Newcastle Airport has expanded its domestic and international network.
By Sis HIGGINS
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