Melbourne Airport has committed to an accelerated target of net zero Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2025 and announced the introduction of an organic waste recycling stream within its terminals from the end of the 2022.
By 2030 Melbourne Airport expects to have more than 50 per cent of its energy needs met by expanding on-site solar generation facilities. This includes a recently commissioned 12-megawatt solar farm under the approach to the north-south runway.
The remainder of the airport’s energy requirements will be procured through dedicated power purchasing agreements directly linked to high-quality solar and wind farm developments in Victoria.
Melbourne Airport Chief of Infrastructure Simon Gandy said that the net-zero target is among the most ambitious carbon emissions reduction plan of any capital city airport in Australia.
“In addition to Scope 1 and 2, we are developing a strategy for Scope 3 emissions, working closely with our airline and ground transport partners, airport tenants and broader supply chain to reduce emissions across the aviation industry,” Gandy said.
Melbourne Airport will also introduce an organic waste stream, which is expected to further reduce the environmental footprint of the airport and contribute to the goal of diverting 60 per cent of terminal waste from landfill by the end of 2024.
It follows a ban on single-use plastics in the airport’s terminals that came into force at the end of last year.
Gandy said the introduction of the waste stream will become part of the airport’s established sustainability initiatives.
“Outside of our terminals we continue to practice circular economy principles, by re-using soil, water, concrete and asphalt as part of infrastructure construction projects,” Gandy said.
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