Major Achievements

As the Airport has developed over the time since we commenced management of the Airport, we have implemented a range of environmental initiatives in response to continuing improvement of environmental knowledge, practices and procedures.

• Sustainable development approaches including solar orientation of new buildings which also incorporate natural lighting, low energy consumption plant and appliances, computer monitored building management systems and double glazing;
• Implementation of the Green Star accreditation program run by the Green Building Council of Australia initially for selected buildings at the Airport. This has led to Australia's first building, 8 Brindabella Circuit, to be awarded a 5 Green Star rating by the Council;
• On-site utilisation and recharge of groundwater to reduce consumption from the ACT potable water supply;
• Development of a protocol for the removal and relocation of an endangered species, Grassland Earless Dragon, which has provided the opportunity for further research on the behaviour of the species;
• Remapping of grassland at the Airport to accurately identify for the first time natural temperate grassland quality and habitat values. This mapping was planned for 2002 but was delayed because of the severe drought conditions;
• Preparation of a Grassland Management Plan approved by the Department of Environment and Heritage, to ensure focussed management of natural temperate grasslands and associated habitat characteristics into the future;
• Rehabilitation of natural temperate grasslands on the former construction haulage road;
• Ongoing development of a stormwater strategy which considers both quality and quantity of water, including stormwater detention and reuse opportunities

A comprehensive regime of stormwater monitoring which measures water quality entering and leaving the Airport and in the context of both Woolshed Creek and the Molonglo River;

• Participation in the SWAMP (Sustainable Water Action Management Plan) which was part of the catchment management initiatives for the Upper Murrumbidgee. More recently, involvement with the preparation of the Molonglo Catchment Strategy 2004 - 2024;
• Establishment and monitoring of a comprehensive piezometer system to measure groundwater quality at the Airport;
• Development of integrated standard Safety, Security and Environment Procedures which include protection of environmentally significant areas and the prevention of pollution by contractors and operators;
• The standard Environmental Management Procedures have been developed so that all the issues identified in the Environment Strategy can be identified for airport construction and maintenance works;
• Improved environmental awareness of contractors and tenants. Standard Environmental Management Procedures have been developed for all contractors which outline all the environmental management approaches required to be considered whilst tendering for and then managing work at the Airport;
• Successful rehabilitation of sites contaminated by fuel;
• Management of a significant building and construction program including runway works and new buildings of over $200 million with no significant environmental impacts;
• Development of an Engine Run-up policy to minimise the impact of on-airport noise on existing tenants, passengers, visitors and local residents;
• Implementation of a Sustainable Ground Transport Policy which covers subsidised bus services, integration with regional bus lines, timely taxi availability and encouragement of cycling by the provision of secure facilities;
• Incremental implementation of the ACT Government’s "No Waste By 2010" policy which has culminated in the receipt of the Silver NoWaste award by the ACT Government in November 2004; and
• Implementation of the findings of a comprehensive archaeological study of the Airport and management of the historic heritage elements of Fairbairn listed on the Register of the National Estate.