Gold Coast Airport has been recognised for its commitment to sustainability,achieving Level 2 accreditation under the Airports Council International’s Airport Carbon Accreditation program.

The Airport Carbon Accreditation program is the only independent global standard for carbon management at airports, which recognises and accredits the efforts of airports to manage and reduce emissions.

The Level 2 accreditation is an acknowledgement of Gold Coast Airport’s success in achieving its goals and follows the airport’s award of Level 1 accreditation in December 2016.

Gold Coast Airport Chief Operating Officer Marion Charlton said the accreditation was confirmation of the team’s dedication to reducing the airport’s carbon footprint.

“Level 2 carbon accreditation is recognition of our commitment to ensuring we look after our environment and reduce our carbon emissions as much as we can,” Ms Charlton said.

“We have instigated a wide range of initiatives to move in this direction, from installing LED lights throughout our facilities, upgrading drive motors on our baggage handling systems, improving efficiency of air-conditioning systems to initiating renewable energy systems in the future.”

Level 1 accreditation involves mapping of an airport’s carbon footprint to better understand sources of its carbon emissions before formalising a carbon management plan. Level 2 sees the setting of a carbon reduction target and the carbon management plan finalised and implemented to achieve the carbon emission reduction target.

ACI Asia-Pacific Regional Director, Patti Chau, welcomed the announcement.

“Congratulations to Gold Coast Airport!” Mrs Chau said.

“This achievement demonstrates your commitment to operating the airport in an environmentally, sustainable manner which is crucial for the long-term development of our industry.

“Your efforts have not been unnoticed and is an example for others to follow. We look forward to Gold Coast Airport’s continued endeavours through our Airport Carbon Accreditation program, which has been effectively helping airport members around the world reduce carbon emissions.”

Globally, the aviation industry contributes approximately two per cent of man-made CO2 emissions, with airport operations accounting for approximately two per cent of this.

Gold Coast Airport is part of the Queensland Airports Limited group, a regional airport specialist also operating Townsville, Mount Isa and Longreach airports.Queensland Airports Limited is committed to reducing carbon emissions at all four ports, as part of its company-wide sustainability and environment policies.