Wellington Airport on track to meet Net Zero and waste targets

Wellington Airport has released its annual Kaitiakitanga report today, reporting a 29% drop in gross emissions since 2017 as part of its annual climate and environmental reporting. This includes Scope 1 and 2 emissions and business travel.  

When certified renewable energy is included, direct emissions (Scope 1 and 2) have decreased by 77% since 2017. This puts the airport well on track for its target of Net Zero emissions for Scope 1 and 2 by 2030, with the replacement of gas boilers in 2028 expected to bring the total close to 100%. 

Wellington Airport chief executive Matt Clarke says the airport has also achieved a 21% reduction in waste to landfill since 2017, on track to meet a target of 30% by 2030. 

“We’re proud to be ranked among the most sustainable airports in the world. A key part of this is setting clear goals and publishing regular updates on how we’re tracking. 

“Emissions from aircraft themselves are still clearly the biggest challenge, but we are making progress in that area too. Airlines are operating more fuel-efficient aircraft at Wellington, and we proudly hosted Air New Zealand’s first electric aircraft last summer.”  

The emissions progress is a highlight of Wellington Airport’s annual Kaitiakitanga report which summarises the airport’s environmental and social efforts. 

Other highlights over the past 12 months include:

• Fast-track approval for southern seawall renewal
• Founding member of the New Zealand Sustainable Aviation Fuel Industry Roundtable
• Successful feasibility study paving way for replacement of gas boilers
• Solar panels installed on roof of new Airport Fire Station 
• 23% of available seat kilometres operated by next-generation fuel efficient aircraft (compared with 9% in 2020)
• Sponsorship of nearly every major Wellington event and support for local causes including Predator Free Wellington 

Wellington Airport’s Greenhouse Gas Inventory Report for 2026 has also been published here.