Newcastle Airport has achieved a 5 Star Green Star Buildings ‘As Built’ certification from the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) for its Terminal Expansion project. The designation marks the first time an airport terminal building in Australia has secured a 5 Star rating under the council’s updated sustainability and environmental assessment framework.
The accreditation evaluates asset energy efficiency, lifecycle carbon reduction, and sustainable construction logistics. The achievement follows the completion of the airport’s international terminal infrastructure, which has expanded regional aviation capacity and global logistics connectivity for the Hunter region.
Chief Executive Officer of the GBCA, Davina Rooney said the project establishes a new technical precedent for major transport infrastructure.
“Newcastle Airport has demonstrated how major infrastructure can reduce its environmental impact while creating lasting value for passengers, the community and the region,” Davina said.
“We congratulate the team on setting a new benchmark for sustainable airport development in Australia.”
The airport’s broader decarbonisation framework includes achieving net-zero Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions ahead of its initial regulatory target, transitioning to 100 per cent renewable electricity grid contracts, and installing on-site solar arrays that generate between 20 and 30 per cent of the facility’s total power demand.
Chief Executive Officer of Newcastle Airport, Linc Horton said sustainable engineering principles were integrated into the capital works procurement process from the project’s inception.
“We were undertaking a major capital expansion and that gave us permission to fundamentally rethink how we design assets, source energy, finance projects and plan for long-term operations,” Linc said.
“We see sustainability as integral to running a better airport for our region, with our sustainability strategy extending well beyond the terminal itself.
“We’ve achieved net zero Scope 1 and 2 emissions six years ahead of target, transitioned to 100 per cent renewable electricity and our solar installations now generate between 20 and 30 per cent of the airport’s electricity demand.
“We also secured a sustainability-linked finance facility with Commonwealth Bank, directly linking financing performance to sustainability outcomes. That demonstrates sustainability is core to how we run the business.”
The terminal expansion has previously received industry recognition, including infrastructure accolades at the National Airport Industry Awards and the Hunter Business Awards.
Chair of Newcastle Airport, Samantha Martin-Williams said the certified infrastructure aligns with the broader economic diversification of the Hunter region across advanced manufacturing, renewable energy, and international trade sectors.
“This certification recognises Newcastle 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,” Samantha said.
“Being the first airport terminal building in Australia to achieve a 5 Star Green Star certification under the new rating tool is a remarkable achievement and reflects the ambition of our airport, our partners and our region.
“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 drive tourism, trade, investment and jobs, while strengthening the Hunter’s connections to national and international markets.
“At a time when Australia is focused on delivering a Future Made in Australia, Newcastle Airport is helping position the Hunter at the forefront of that future, supporting industry growth, enabling new opportunities and demonstrating what sustainable regional infrastructure can achieve.”
Following the commissioning of the expanded terminal, Newcastle Airport has widened its commercial network logistics, operating direct domestic flights to capitals including Perth and Hobart alongside international routes to Bali and Singapore.
IMAGE | Newcastle Airport secures country’s first 5 Star Green Star terminal building certification
