Canberra Airport Achieves Landmark Carbon Accreditation – Among Australia’s Highest-Rated Airports
Canberra Airport has been awarded Level 4 status under the prestigious Airport Carbon Accreditation
(ACA) program by Airports Council International (ACI)—making it one of Australia’s highest-rated
airports for carbon management, and just one level below Newcastle Airport’s Level 4+ status.
This recognition marks a significant milestone in climate leadership and sustainability within the aviation sector. Level 4 accreditation reflects Canberra Airport’s long-term carbon management strategy, including a clear path toward absolute emissions reductions and active collaboration with stakeholders to lower emissions across all operations.“Throughout our 27 years managing Canberra Airport, we’ve actively supported the decarbonisation of both the airport community and the wider aviation sector,” said Stephen Byron, CEO of Canberra Airport.
“Given Australia’s reliance on air travel to stay connected globally, collaboration across the industry is
essential to achieving meaningful emissions reductions.”
A Legacy of Environmental Leadership
As a founding member of the Green Building Council of Australia, Canberra Airport has a proud history of sustainable development. In 2004, it delivered Australia’s first 5-Star Green Star-rated building at Brindabella Business Park—a legacy that continues today through ongoing investment in environmental performance.
Level 4 accreditation confirms that Canberra Airport’s strategy aligns with the Paris Agreement and demonstrates verified, independently assessed engagement with third parties to reduce emissions.
“We are proud of Canberra Airport’s progress in reducing carbon emissions and setting a strong example for the region,” said Karlien Bentley, Sustainability Manager.
“Level 4 is a testament to our commitment to sustainability, innovation, and leadership during a critical time for the industry.”
Stefano Baronci, Director General of ACI Asia-Pacific and Middle East, said: We congratulate Canberra Airport for its significant strides in reducing carbon emissions, setting a benchmark for airports across the region. By positioning itself as one of the leaders in efficient carbon management, Canberra Airport demonstrates a strong commitment to building a more sustainable future. Canberra Airport’s approach aligns with our industry's collective vision of achieving net zero emissions by 2050.”
Milestones in Sustainability
Canberra Airport’s achievement builds on two decades of climate-focused initiatives:
2004 – Australia’s first 5 Green Star-rated building (8 Brindabella Circuit)
2005 – UN World Environment Day Award – Green Building
2010 – Protected grassland conservation project
2013 – New terminal construction; 650,000L rainwater tanks installed
2015 – Trigeneration plant operational; Environmental Management Award
2017–2018 – Smart building systems, LED lighting upgrades, EV chargers
2019 – First fully electric buildings; 300kW solar installed; worm farm introduced
2020 – 100% renewable electricity adopted
2021–2024 – LED runway light upgrades; airside EV chargers; Scope 1 & 2 carbon mapping; Scope 3 mapping initiated
2024 - 25 first 6 Star Greenstar Design and As Built Rating in the ACT for 25 Catalina Drive, Majura Park – 2023
2025 – Planned: 2.5MW solar and battery systems; parking LED upgrades; continued stakeholder emissions engagement
2025 – Achieved Level 4 accreditation
About Airport Carbon Accreditation
Airport Carbon Accreditation is the only institutionally-endorsed global carbon management certification programme for airports, which relies on internationally recognised methodologies. It offers a common framework for airports to manage and reduce carbon emissions with measurable goalposts, through 7 certification levels. Open to airports of all sizes, the programme enables the industry to reduce its carbon footprint, improve efficiency, and share expertise. The growing number of certified airports worldwide showcases the leadership of airports in lowering aviation’s carbon footprint.
For more information visit: Home - Airport Carbon Accreditation
For details on Canberra Airport’s sustainability strategy, visit: www.canberraairport.com.au/corporate/about/environment