Adelaide Airport has achieved a big milestone of becoming the first major airport in Australia to be declared carbon neutral. This success demonstrates years of efforts through efforts to reduce carbon emissions and improve environmental practices.
Since 2018, Adelaide Airport has been very dedicated to reducing its carbon emissions by almost 90%. This was achieved through adopting energy efficient systems and an increase in onsite renewable energy. The acquisition of 100% renewable electricity from a local wind farm also played a crucial role.
Offsetting Emissions
As its final step toward carbon neutrality, the airport bought ACCUs from an Australian Carbon Credit Units certified land regeneration project in South Australia’s Gawler Ranges. The ACCUs will be used to offset the residual Scope 1 emissions by the airport during 2024–2025. Scope 1 emissions refer to emissions from petrol used in vehicle operation and at the terminal.
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Complete Shift to Renewables
Offsets provide a short-term fix, but Adelaide Airport isn’t stopping there. By switching to electric terminal systems, the airport intends to further lessen its carbon footprint. In order to promote long-term sustainability goals, the airport is also switching to hybrid or electric vehicles for its fleet.
Adelaide Airport worked on eliminating its Scop 2 emissions beginning January 2024 by fully adoptng renewable electricity. The move highlights the airport’s dedication to sustainability and reducing the impact it has on the environment.
The managing director of Adelaide Airport, Brenton Cox, commented on the achievement. He pointed out that although the airport still needed to improve, the accomplishment showed that their decarbonisation plan was making great strides.
The decarbonization strategy aimed to reduce carbon intensity, increase onsite renewable energy generation, and support renewable energy projects in South Australia through its electricity contract.
This achievement serves as an example for airports and organizations striving for sustainability or aiming to minimize their carbon footprints.