Wellington Airport scores top ranking on sustainability

Wellington Airport has scored highly for sustainability in an independent global assessment, rated first equal in the world among 18 participating airports. The assessment was carried out by GRESB who rate the environmental, social and governance (ESG) efforts of companies worldwide each year. Wellington Airport achieved an Infrastructure Asset Assessment score of 100 out of 100, its highest ever score and the highest possible performance outcome under the assessment. The score places Wellington Airport first equal out of 566 participating entities around the world, including 18 global airports and six in Australasia. Wellington Airport chief executive Matt Clarke says the success is due to hard work alongside regular reporting and independent scrutiny. “This is welcome recognition of the work we’re doing in the areas we can directly control, such as our target of net zero emissions for our own direct operations by 2030. We’re also working with airlines on the biggest challenge of reducing emissions from aircraft, and proudly hosted Air New Zealand’s first electric aircraft last summer.” Some of the recent progress at Wellington Airport includes: A 29% drop in gross emissions since 2017 (scope 1 and 2 emissions and business travel); A 77% drop in scope 1 and 2 emissions when certified renewable energy is included; Ongoing replacement of our ground fleet with electric vehicles; Solar panels and water recycling installed with the new Airport Fire Station; Achieved Airport Carbon Accreditation Level 4+; Wellington Airport Urban Garden producing compost and food donations for local community centres; Waste sorting trial to identify further opportunities to divert waste from landfill. The Airport has also released its annual survey of Wellingtonians which shows 68% of Wellingtonians view the Airport favourably or very favourably, and only 8% negatively. A strong majority support more flights (77%) and more international tourism (87%) to Wellington. “We are proud to see our record of strong support from our community continues. Wellingtonians support better connections and more tourism, and recognise the economic and social contribution the airport makes to the city,” says Clarke. “This is encouraging and we will keep up our work to provide Wellington with excellent connections to the world while supporting community outcomes and sustainable growth.” For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Matt Driskill at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Head of Sales Sally Passey at [email protected]