Brisbane Airport (BNE) has brought forward its emission reduction target by 25 years, with the company now aiming to hit net zero emissions in just three years.
The company claims the slashed target will make the airport “one of the planet’s most sustainable airports” following the announcement of a dramatic acceleration of emission reduction targets.
"BNE is more than an airport. We are a sustainability leader. We want to create a world-leading Airport City that future generations can be proud of, because of how we acted today, to protect the community of tomorrow," said Brisbane Airport Corporation (BAC) CEO Gert-Jan de Graaff.
"This is not a new concept for us. We’ve been on this journey for 12 years, but now we are hitting fast-forward to reduce our impact on the planet."
The accelerated targets specifically relate to emissions from electricity and fuel consumed by BAC.
To achieve this by 2025, BAC has committed to transition to 100 per cent renewable energy, purchase all-electric fleet vehicles and develop an onsite carbon removal project within its biodiversity zone.
The airport has also allocated 285 hectares to preserve and maintain biodiversity on site, and to act as an improved carbon removal asset.
By 2030, BAC is also committed to 50 per cent use of recycled water and zero waste to landfill.
Cleaner flying is also on BAC’s radar, with the airport today acknowledging its responsibilities extend beyond its own operations.
BAC says it has committed to working with more than 100 other airports, airlines, fuel suppliers and industry stakeholders to put the global aviation sector on the path to net zero emissions by accelerating the supply and use of sustainable aviation fuel to 10 per cent by 2030.
“We want passengers to know that when they’re travelling through Brisbane Airport, we are doing everything possible to ensure they are having the lightest touch on planet earth possible,” de Graaff said.
“As we plan for the future, our decisions are based on protecting the environment, growing responsibly, and supporting our communities.
"We know we are on a green and gold runway to the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games. Without the green, there is no gold."
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