QAL Group achieves sustainability milestone

Queensland Airports Limited (QAL) has reached a significant sustainability milestone, with all four airports in its network – Gold Coast, Townsville, Mount Isa and Longreach – achieving Airport Carbon Accreditation Level 4 from Airports Council International (ACI). 
 
The accreditation recognises QAL’s commitment to aligning its carbon management with global climate goals, achieving absolute emissions reductions and forging partnerships to further cut carbon across its operations. 
 
QAL Chief Strategy, Sustainability and People Officer Shannon McFadden said achieving Level 4 accreditation places QAL’s airports among a select group worldwide leading the aviation industry’s transition to a lower-carbon future. 
 
“This recognition is testament to the work our teams have done across Queensland to embed sustainability into everything we do – from energy efficiency and renewable energy initiatives to working hand-in-hand with our business partners to drive shared emissions reductions,” said Ms McFadden. 
 
“To have all four of our airports achieve Level 4 accreditation is a proud moment, but also a reminder of the responsibility we have to keep pushing towards our net zero targets.” 
 
Steps QAL has taken towards Net Zero include: 
 
•    Transitioned Gold Coast and Townsville airports’ operations to 100% renewable energy through our Power Purchase Agreement.  
•    Commenced the transition of Gold Coast Airport’s fleet to electric and hybrid vehicles.  
•    Upgraded infrastructure with energy-efficient lighting.  
•    Introduced a stakeholder partnership plan to support the reduction of Scope 3 carbon emissions.  
•    Supporting tenants to manage and reduce emissions as part of their Net Zero journey. 
 
Stefano Baronci, Director General, ACI Asia-Pacific & Middle East, said: “We congratulate Queensland Airports Limited for its remarkable achievement in attaining Level 4 of the Airport Carbon Accreditation. By establishing itself as a leader in carbon management, Queensland Airports Limited displays a robust commitment to fostering a sustainable future. This accomplishment aligns perfectly with our industry's collective vision of achieving net zero emissions by 2050.” 
 
QAL remains committed to achieving net zero Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030, and will continue to explore new technologies, infrastructure and partnerships to meet that goal. 
 
The Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) program, administered independently by Environmental Minds on behalf of ACI, provides global, third-party assessments of airports’ efforts to measure, manage and reduce carbon emissions.