Sydney Airport taking action now to create a better tomorrow

Monday, June 5, 2023

As Australia’s busiest airport, Sydney Airport understands that global warming is a shared challenge requiring action from all, and we are committed to supporting the aviation industry to decarbonize.

The most urgent aviation industry priority is developing a sustainable aviation fuel industry in Australia.

Australia can have a significant role to play in the global fuels transition, and Sydney Airport commends the Federal Government’s decision to establish a Jet Zero Council and looks forward to ongoing participation in the council.

Regenerating and protecting the precious ecosystem surrounding our airport is also a key priority for the airport.

To mark World Environment Day tomorrow, Sydney Airport has funded $200,000 to Bayside Council for landscaping in Sir Joseph Banks Park in Botany to increase the tree canopy and provide new habitat for wildlife.

This is part of the joint Sydney Airport – Bayside Council Community and Environmental Projects Fund created in 2018, with the airport providing more than $1 million a year for the Fund.

Bush regeneration works in the wetlands around the airport have now been underway since 1999.

In the last year, more than 10,000 native trees, shrubs and grasses were planted at Engine Ponds East with the help of Sydney Airport staff volunteers and Wildflower – Gardens for Good, an Indigenous-owned and managed not-for-profit.

Sydney Airport on track to achieve net zero emissions by 2030

Significant progress has been made in achieving net-zero emissions by 2030.

This comprises both ‘Scope 1’ emissions generated by the Airport’s vehicle fleet and natural gas use and ‘Scope 2’ emissions generated to supply electricity to the Airport

On track to reduce Scope 3 emissions by 50% from ground operations by 2025

Sydney Airport is also on track to have 100% renewable electricity by 2025, with procurement already underway

Co-Head of Safety, Sustainability and Environment at Sydney Airport, Jake Atkins, said that their passengers often tell them they are blown away by the beauty of Botany Bay as they fly into Sydney Airport.

The Botany Wetlands, including the Sydney Airport Wetlands, are considered one of the last remaining green corridors in a highly disturbed area of Sydney.

Being surrounded by such precious wetlands is an immense privilege, and they take the responsibility of caring for them very seriously.

As the aviation energy transition gains pace, Sydney Airport will continue to play a role in aviation’s decarbonization journey and is focused on delivering the infrastructure and management measures needed to decarbonize.

Several energy efficiency projects have recently been completed, including the installation of more efficient LED lights in our car parks and terminals, with another 3,500 LED lights to be installed later in the year.

This year, they will continue to work with airlines and ground handlers to increase the use of ground power and pre-conditioned air, reduce jet fuel burn while on the gates, and progress electrification of ground service equipment fleets.

Sydney Airport authorities will also continue to consult with the Australian Government and the community on the review of the Demand Management Scheme at Sydney Airport.

There are still important improvements that can be made to enhance the efficiency of airport operations while also having beneficial carbon emissions outcomes.

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