Newcastle Airport says its new terminal is the first in Australia to receive a 5-star Green Star certification under the Green Building Council of Australia’s (GBCA) new rating tool.
The terminal, which opens in late 2025, was evaluated for its “energy efficiency, operational performance, environmental impact reduction and sustainable construction practices,” with GBCA chief executive Davina Rooney calling the rating an “important milestone.”
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“Newcastle Airport has demonstrated how major infrastructure can reduce its environmental impact while creating lasting value for passengers, the community and the region,” he said.
“We congratulate the team for setting a new benchmark for sustainable airport development in Australia.”
According to Linc Horton, general manager of Newcastle Airport, sustainability had been integrated into the project “from the beginning” and the expansion “gave [the airport] permission to fundamentally rethink how we design assets, source energy, finance projects and plan long-term operations.”
“We see sustainability as integral to running a better airport for our region, and our sustainability strategy extends far beyond the terminal itself,” he said.
“We have achieved net zero Scope 1 and 2 emissions six years ahead of schedule, we have transitioned to 100 percent renewable electricity and our solar installations now generate between 20 and 30 percent of the airport’s electricity demand.
“We also secured a sustainability-linked finance facility with Commonwealth Bank, which directly links financial performance to sustainability outcomes. This shows that sustainability is central to the way we run the business.”
Newcastle Airport president Samantha Martin-Williams said the certification recognizes 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 notable achievement and reflects the ambition of our airport, our partners and our region,” he 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 boost tourism, trade, investment and employment, while strengthening Hunter’s connections to domestic and international markets.
“At a time when Australia is focused on delivering an Australian-made future, Newcastle Airport is helping to position the Hunter at the forefront of that future, supporting industry growth, enabling new opportunities and demonstrating what can be achieved with sustainable regional infrastructure.”
Newcastle opened its new terminal 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 Hobart and Perth.
