Queensland Airports Limited (QAL) is committed to inspiring a sustainable future and managing all of its airports in an environmentally responsible manner, to create long term benefit for our customers, partners and communities.
Net Zero 2030
QAL is committed to reaching Net Zero Scope 1 and Scope 2 carbon emissions by 2030 and aims to use 80% renewable energy by 2025.
We have implemented a program focused on six key pillars of work that will enable us to deliver on our emissions reduction targets, including key activities such as our power purchasing agreement for renewable energy with CS Energy, on-site solar and a plan to boost electrification alongside our partners.
We are already making significant steps, including the installation of:
Power Purchasing Agreement (PPA)
We have a seven-year deal with CS Energy to provide 100% renewable energy to Gold Coast and Townsville airports. From 1 January 2025, all airport operations including air conditioning, lighting and wayfinding, will be powered by green energy. This marks a significant step in our Net Zero 2030 strategy by addressing almost 90per cent of our Scope 1 and 2 emissions (based on our FY23 carbon footprint).
Airport Carbon Accreditation
All of our airports have achieved Level 2 Airport Carbon Accreditation. Airport Carbon Accreditation independently assesses and recognises the efforts of airports to manage and reduce their carbon emissions.
GRESB
GRESB is a globally-recognised benchmark that tracks environmental, social and governance metrics. QAL’s score is 96 out of 100, with a five out of five-star rating. This result is higher than the GRESB average of 86 and our peer average of 95.
We are proud of the rich and biodiverse natural ecosystem surrounding Gold Coast Airport, including areas of both environmental and cultural value.
The Cobaki Environment Precinct, which represents about 25% of Gold Coast Airport’s Commonwealth lease area, provides key habitat for protected species and communities, facilitates wildlife movement and provides a physical vegetative buffer to the Cobaki Broadwater, assisting in maintaining water quality and biodiversity in the catchment.
We are stewards of this land and water, recognising our responsibility to protect and promote the natural environment. We have numerous measures in place to manage threats and protect the native flora and fauna species that call Gold Coast Airport home.
We work closely with specialists, who assist us in managing the natural environment around the airport precinct. This work not only protects the safety of the travelling public, but also ensures risk to wildlife species is kept to a minimum.
Gold Coast Airport has two biodiversity offset sites located in northern New South Wales, which total 119.48 hectares.
Recognising water conservation as a key pillar of our environmental responsibilities, we have a range of measures in place to reduce our airports' collective potable water consumption.
Gold Coast Airport is able to save the equivalent of 75 Olympic-sized swimming pools each year through its innovative rainwater harvesting and air-conditioning condensate collection systems. This water can be used in terminal operations, such as toilets, to reduce our reliance on potable water supplies.
Other measures to increase water sustainability include stormwater management and water-efficient fixtures in the restrooms.
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QAL’s four airports are committed to diverting waste from landfill and increasing the percentage of recycled waste. Responsible waste management is an essential component of our operations.
During the last financial year, more than 463 tonnes of waste was diverted from landfill at Gold Coast Airport.
Additionally, we partner with Endeavour Foundation, an Australian organisation committed to reducing the amount of electronic waste bound for landfill. Endeavour Foundation dismantles and recycles e-waste, while creating employment opportunities for Australians with disabilities.
Other simple initiatives to reduce waste to landfill are our water refilling stations that have been installed in our airports and save over 10,000 plastic water bottles each year.
Our container deposit program saw Gold Coast Airport recycle 1.2 tonnes of beverage containers over the last year.
