GHG Emissions  -  May 27, 2021

Sydney Airport Targets 2030 Net-Zero

Sydney Airport announced May 21 its commitment to be net-zero in its Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030.

The biggest factor in the transition of the Australian airport to net-zero will be the achievement of 100% renewable energy, which will directly eliminate Scope 2 emissions. Scope 2 emissions account for 93% of total emissions and will be further reduced through energy use reduction initiatives.

A further 7% of emissions under the airport’s control are Scope 1 emissions and will be addressed by moderating reliance on natural gas, transitioning vehicles to low or no-emission models and phasing out fuel-powered equipment like diesel generators. For the residual Scope 1 emissions that cannot be eliminated, carbon offset credits will be purchased.

To lower its Scope 3 emissions outside of its operational control, the Sydney Airport will support initiatives to reduce these emissions like offering renewable energy to retail and commercial tenants and facilitating an increase in sustainable aviation fuel use. The airport acquired onsite jet fuel infrastructure assets in October 2020 in an attempt to influence the continued adoption of SAF in the future.

“The aviation industry has a critical role to play in combatting climate change, and we are making this commitment with clear line of sight to the outcome, and definite actions to get there,” CEO Geoff Culbert said in a statement. “Sydney Airport is proud of the leadership position we’ve taken on sustainability. We’ve put our money where our mouth is through initiatives like our sustainability-linked loan and bond, which ensure our sustainability commitments have genuine financial imperatives. We are always on the lookout for ways we can do more and our commitment to achieve net-zero by 2030 extends our leadership on sustainability.”