Brisbane Airport says its passengers will soon begin and end their journey ‘at one of the planet’s most sustainable airports’, following its announcement of a dramatic acceleration in emission reduction targets.

 

Brisbane Airport Corporation (BAC), today slashed its net zero emissions deadline by 25 years.

 

“BNE is more than an airport,” said Gert-Jan de Graaff, Chief Executive Officer of Brisbane Airport Corporation. “We are a sustainability leader. We want to create a world-leading Airport City that future generations can be proud of, because of how we acted today, to protect the community of tomorrow.

 

“This is not a new concept for us,” he added. “We’ve been on this journey for 12 years, but now we are hitting fast-forward to reduce our impact on the planet.”

 

The accelerated 2025 net zero target relates to Scope 1 & 2 activities, which includes emissions from electricity and fuel consumed by BAC.

 

 

To achieve net zero (scope 1 and 2) by 2025, BAC has committed to transition to 100% renewable energy, purchase all-electric fleet vehicles and develop an onsite carbon removal project within its Biodiversity Zone.

 

Brisbane Airport has allocated 285 hectares to preserve and maintain biodiversity on site, and to act as an improved carbon removal asset.

 

By 2030, BAC is also committed to 50% use of recycled water, and zero waste to landfill.

 

BAC acknowledges that its responsibilities extend beyond its own operations and  is a signatory to the global Clean Skies for Tomorrow initiative.

 

As such, BAC has committed to working with more than 100 other airports, airlines, fuel suppliers and industry stakeholders to put the global aviation sector on the path to net zero emissions by accelerating the supply and use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) to 10% by 2030.

 

Recently BAC also became a signatory for the Mission Possible Partnership (MPP) Aviation Transition Strategy. The aviation sector through this MPP is activating an alliance of global partners to supercharge the decarbonisation of the industry.

 

“We want passengers to know that when they’re travelling through Brisbane Airport, we are doing everything possible to ensure they are having the lightest touch on planet earth possible,” added de Graaff.

 

“As we plan for the future, our decisions are based on protecting the environment, growing responsibly, and supporting our communities.

 

“We know we are on a green and gold runway to the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games. Without the green, there is no gold.”

 

TRBusiness hosted a successful second edition of TR Sustainability Week in April this year. It remains the DF&TR industry’s first and only event dedicated solely to sustainability and this year we broadened our remit beyond environmental issues to spotlight relevant and timely topics around corporate responsibility, health and wellbeing and diversity and inclusion. To watch back all of the sessions on demand, click here.

 

In addition, BAC reveals that it is hosting the BNE Careers Expo next month to encourage up to 2,000 new employees to consider a career at the airport precinct.

 

The event hopes to attract employees in a diverse range of roles including: security, baggage handling, government agencies, airlines, customers service, engineering, corporate services, landscaping, bus drivers, hospitality and retail workers.

 

De Graaff said the range of positions includes professional services through to “start tomorrow” opportunities.

 

As reported, labour shortages in the aforementioned roles at some of the world’s busiest international airports threatens to curtail a rebound in passenger traffic.

 

As reported, numerous airports in Europe have taken measures to manage the sharp influx of passengers over the peak summer holiday period with London Heathrow attracting criticism from its airline partner, Emirates, for capping the number of its passengers flights.

 

 

The Dutch Government has announced plans to permanently reduce passenger capacity at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, while Manchester Airport, London Stansted, Dublin and Frankfurt have all reported long queues at check-in and security and have warned passengers to arrive at the airports well in advance of their flights.

 

De Graff added: “The BNE Careers Expo on September 10 is not only focused on filling the jobs vacancies we have today, it’s about opening up career opportunities for the future.”

 

“Currently there are around 24,000 people employed across 425 businesses at Brisbane Airport.  That is forecast to grow to 60,000 workers by 2050.”

 

Promoting the benefits of a career at the airport, he said: “The Brisbane Airport precinct is a 24/7 city in itself. There are shifts around the clock that can work in with modern families and their needs.”

 

“We have people here choosing to do shifts that fit around their kids, or partners’ work.  We have daycare onsite. There’s the DFO and Skygate for shopping. Even a 24/7 Woolworths to grab dinner on your way home, whatever the hour.”

 

The BNE Careers Expo is on 10 September 2022 at the Brisbane Airport precinct, and gives job candidates an opportunity to meet face to face with companies who need staff now.