Brisbane Airport reaches net zero for Scope 1 and 2 emissions
Photograph image obtained from The Daily Mail.
Net Zero is the future
Brisbane Airport has achieved a significant environmental milestone by becoming 100% powered by renewable electricity. This achievement aligns with their commitment to sustainability and reducing their carbon footprint. The airport has reached net zero emissions in scope one and scope two categories, two of the three key metrics used to measure emissions.
Scope one emissions refer to emissions generated directly by sources that the airport owns or controls, such as fuel used in vehicles or on-site energy production.
Scope two emissions are related to the electricity and energy consumed by the airport, which they have now transitioned to entirely renewable sources.
However, emissions from scope three, which involve indirect emissions like those from departing and arriving aircraft, were not included in this achievement. These emissions are typically harder to control since they come from external parties (e.g., airlines). While the airport's achievement is commendable, the overall carbon impact from air travel still exists beyond the control of the airport itself.
Brisbane is Australia’s third largest city, with an estimated population of 2,536,450 (World Population Review).
What is the plan for Scope 3 emissions?
Indeed, Brisbane Airport Corporation (BAC) chief executive Gert-Jan de Graaff acknowledged the importance of the caveat regarding scope three emissions. While the airport has made impressive strides in achieving 100% renewable electricity and reaching net zero for scope one and scope two emissions, de Graaff pointed out that emissions from departing and arriving aircraft remain outside their control.
This recognition underscores the complexity of achieving total sustainability in the aviation sector, where airlines and aircraft operators play a significant role in emissions. Despite the progress made by the airport itself, addressing scope three emissions will require collaboration with airlines and other industry stakeholders.
Gert-Jan de Graaff had the following to say:
“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.
As of New Year’s Day, all the airport’s electricity was sourced from onsite solar panels (10MW) and renewable generation from Stanwell Corporation via the power grid.
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.
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.”
In addition to transitioning to 100% renewable electricity, Brisbane Airport has taken further steps to reduce its environmental impact. The airport has replaced 24 internal combustion engine fleet vehicles with electric vehicles (EVs), contributing to a reduction in emissions from its ground operations.
To address the remaining 3% of emissions, Brisbane Airport has chosen to offset them by investing in native bush regeneration in south-west Queensland through Tasman Environmental Markets. This initiative helps restore natural ecosystems, sequestering carbon and supporting biodiversity, and demonstrates the airport's holistic approach to sustainability.
Michael O'Rourke, CEO of Stanwell, which supplies the renewable energy, highlighted that Brisbane Airport is now receiving enough clean energy to fully offset its operations. This further emphasizes the airport's commitment to sustainability, ensuring that its energy needs are met in an environmentally responsible way while also addressing the broader impact of its operations.
Photograph image obtained from Brisbane Airport.
The next milestone
Brisbane Airport's net zero milestone is part of a broader trend of sustainability initiatives across Australia's aviation sector. Several other key airports are pursuing ambitious goals to reduce their carbon footprints:
Adelaide Airport achieved carbon neutrality through certified carbon credit purchases. Additionally, it has set a target to achieve net zero emissions by 2050, aligning with global sustainability goals and the growing focus on aviation's environmental impact.
Queensland Airports Limited has also demonstrated a strong commitment to sustainability. As of 1 January 2025, Gold Coast and Townsville Airports will both transition to 100% renewable energy, mirroring Brisbane Airport's shift towards cleaner energy sources and reinforcing the region's commitment to environmental responsibility.
Brisbane Airport has further advanced its sustainability efforts by forming the Hydrogen Flight Alliance, a significant step towards facilitating emission-free flights. The Alliance aims to support the development of hydrogen-powered aircraft, which could revolutionize air travel by eliminating the carbon emissions typically produced by fossil-fuel powered planes.
These initiatives reflect a growing recognition of the aviation sector's role in addressing climate change and highlight the Australian airport industry's collective efforts to make air travel more sustainable. By embracing renewable energy, carbon offset programs, and cutting-edge technologies like hydrogen aviation, these airports are not only reducing their direct emissions but also helping shape a greener future for air travel.
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