Brisbane Airport becomes one of first Australian airports to achieve net zero emissions

Net zero EV. Credit: BNE.

From the new year, passengers travelling through Brisbane Airport will do so using 100% renewable backed electricity generation, as BNE becomes one of the first Australian airports to achieve Net Zero emissions (Scope 1 and 2). 

It ensures nearly 25 million passengers can travel with the confidence that Brisbane Airport is dedicated to minimising its environmental footprint. 

“We are proud to have achieved this milestone. As a sustainability leader, we take our role in reducing our impact on the environment very seriously,” Brisbane Airport Chief Executive Officer, Gert-Jan de Graaff said.  

“But there is far more work to be done. We know the most significant source of emissions comes from aviation fuel used by our airline partners. It’s why we continue to represent all airports on the Australian Jet Zero Council, and support research undertaken at Brisbane Airport by Stralis which is developing a hydrogen-electric aircraft, with a test-flight planned for this year.” 

Brisbane Airport Corporation has reduced its scope 1 and 2 emissions by 97% through: 

• Purchasing 100% renewable electricity generation from Stanwell for Queensland based wind farm and solar energy 
• Expanding onsite solar to 10MW 
• Replacing 24 traditional internal combustion engine fleet vehicles with electric powered vehicles   

The remaining 3% of emissions have been offset through native bush regeneration projects in southwest Queensland via Tasman Environmental Markets.   

“From midnight our renewable power purchase agreement kicked in with Stanwell, providing up to 185 GWh of renewable backed wind and solar energy per year from regional Queensland. This is a milestone moment,” according to Gert-Jan de Graaff. 

“It means renewable backed power will operate everything from the systems you use at check-in, baggage conveyors, air conditioning, departure screens, escalators, electric ground services equipment, right through to the runway lights that guide your aircraft safely into the sky.” 

Remarks from Queensland Treasurer and Energy Minister David Janetzki:  

“This strategic partnership demonstrates demand for Queensland’s high quality renewable energy as we shift to a reliable, affordable and sustainable energy system.” 

Remarks from Stanwell CEO Michael O’Rourke:  

“Stanwell will supply up to 185 GWh of renewable-backed energy each year to Brisbane Airport Corporation, and that’s enough clean energy to offset all of its operations,

“Back in 2022 when this historic deal was signed, Brisbane Airport was Stanwell’s very first customer for our renewable energy pipeline. 

“Since then, we’ve signed many more commercial and industrial customers as we diversify our generation portfolio in response to evolving market expectations to include renewable and low emissions energy sources. 

“It’s another great example of how Stanwell is assisting large energy users achieve their sustainability goals in their journey to a more energy efficient future.” 

Brisbane Airport’s Sustainability journey so far: 

2010: 285-hectare Biodiversity Zone established  

2013: Emissions reduction program commenced  

2014: Australia’s first Green Star Communities rating   

2016: Airport Carbon Accreditation Level 3: Optimisation  

2018: Launched Queensland’s first and Australia’s largest electric bus fleet  

2019: Installation of 18,000 solar panels across airport   

2021: Trial of artificial intelligence to reduce energy consumption in buildings which achieved a 12% reduction in energy use 

2022: Acceleration of Net Zero target by 25 years to 2025   

2022: Australia’s first all-electric refueller deployed by Air BP   

2022: First Australian airport to introduce Oscar AI bin smart recycling assistant into terminals  

2022: Start of transition to electric commercial mower fleet  

2022: Commitment to build another 5-megawatts of solar capacity by 2025  

2022: Announcement of renewables-backed energy deal with Stanwell  

2023: First Airport in Australia to achieve Airport Carbon Accreditation Level 4: Transformation  

2023: Foundation member of Hydrogen Flight Alliance 

2023: Representing all Australian airports on Australian Jet Zero Council 

2024: First successful on-aircraft test of an electric motor at Brisbane Airport  

2024: First Australian airport to install common-use, airside Ground Service Equipment charging system.  

2024: Partner of the Year Award – Containers for Change  

2024: Transitioned 24 fleet vehicles to electric including the first Ford F150 airside vehicle   

2024: 10MW solar onsite  

2025: Achieved Net Zero (scope 1 and 2) 

To read more about Brisbane Airport’s path to Net Zero, click here.