Newcastle Airport achieves Australian first with 5 Star Green Star Buildings Certification

On World Environment Day, Newcastle Airport is proud to announce its Terminal Expansion has officially achieved a 5 Star Green Star Buildings ‘As Built’ certification from the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA), becoming the first airport terminal building in Australia to receive a 5 Star Green Star certification under the new rating tool. 

With this year’s World Environment Day focused on driving solutions to the climate crisis and ecosystem restoration, the achievement highlights Newcastle Airport’s commitment to delivering infrastructure that supports both long-term regional growth and meaningful environmental outcomes.

GBCA CEO, Davina Rooney said achieving Australia's first 5 Star Green Star Buildings certification for an airport terminal is a significant milestone. “Newcastle Airport has demonstrated how major infrastructure can reduce its environmental impact while creating lasting value for passengers, the community and the region,” Ms Rooney said.  

“We congratulate the team on setting a new benchmark for sustainable airport development in Australia."  

Newcastle Airport CEO Linc Horton said sustainability had been embedded into the project from the very beginning. “We were undertaking a major capital expansion and that gave us permission to fundamentally rethink how we design assets, source energy, finance projects and plan for long-term operations,” Mr Horton said.  

“We see sustainability as  integral to running a better airport for our region, with our  sustainability strategy extending well beyond the terminal itself.  

“We’ve achieved net zero Scope 1 and 2 emissions six years ahead of target, transitioned to 100 per cent renewable electricity and our solar installations now generate between 20 and 30 per cent of the airport’s electricity demand.  

“We also secured a sustainability-linked finance facility with Commonwealth Bank, directly linking financing performance to sustainability outcomes. That demonstrates sustainability is core to how we run the business.”  

The Terminal Expansion forms part of Newcastle Airport’s broader sustainability strategy and has already received significant national recognition for its sustainable outcomes, including: 
•    Winner – 2025 National Airport Industry Awards – Sustainability & Infrastructure 
•    Winner – 2025 Hunter Business Awards – Excellence in Sustainability 
•    Finalist – 2025 Australian Aviation Awards – Sustainability Initiative of the Year 
•    Finalist – 2025 Business NSW Awards – Excellence in Sustainability 

Newcastle Airport Chair Samantha Martin-Williams said achieving the 5 Star Green Star ‘As Built’ certification was a significant milestone for both the airport and the Hunter region, and one the community could be incredibly proud of. 

“This certification recognises Newcastle Airport’s commitment to delivering infrastructure that supports both economic growth and environmental responsibility, while setting a new benchmark for sustainable airport development in Australia,” Ms Martin-Williams said.  

“Being the first airport terminal building in Australia to achieve a 5 Star Green Star certification under the new rating tool is a remarkable achievement and reflects the ambition of our airport, our partners and our region.  

“As the Hunter continues to emerge as a national leader in innovation, renewable energy, advanced manufacturing and sustainable development, Newcastle Airport has an important role to play in connecting our region to new opportunities. 

“As the region’s global gateway, we help drive tourism, trade, investment and jobs, while strengthening the Hunter’s connections to national and international markets.  

“At a time when Australia is focused on delivering a Future Made in Australia, Newcastle Airport is helping position the Hunter at the forefront of that future, supporting industry growth, enabling new opportunities and demonstrating what sustainable regional infrastructure can achieve.”  

The 5 Star Green Star certification assessed a range of sustainability initiatives incorporated into the terminal expansion, including energy efficiency, operational performance, environmental impact reduction and sustainable building practices.  

Since the international terminal was completed last year, Newcastle Airport has grown its international and domestic network, significantly increasing passenger capacity, operational capability and global connectivity for the Hunter region.   

Newcastle Airport now offers direct international services to Bali and Singapore via Bali, alongside an expanded domestic network including direct flights to Perth and seasonal services to Hobart.  

Please visit www.newcastleairport.com.au for more information on flights and parking deals.