Sustainability Report 2024: Queenstown Airport Reports Solid Progress

Queenstown Airport is proud to release its second annual Sustainability Report, showcasing the business’s achievements and ongoing commitment to reducing organisational emissions; environmental stewardship; community engagement; and operational resilience.

“Our 2024 Sustainability Report highlights the strides we have made in reducing our environmental impact and supporting our community,” Queenstown Airport Chief Executive Glen Sowry says.

“Achieving Airport Carbon Accreditation Level 4+ in our first year in the Airports Council International (ACI) programme is a testament to the dedication and the collaborative efforts of our team and partners.

“To date, we have reduced organisational emissions by 71% compared with our 2019 baseline year. Our target is to achieve an 85% reduction by or before 2028, and we have a decarbonisation roadmap in place to ensure we meet that target.”

General Manager Sustainability & Corporate Affairs Sara Irvine says a highlight of the year was the expansion of Queenstown Airport’s community partnerships programme to include the local branch of the food rescue charity Kiwi Harvest.

“We see this partnership as a perfect pairing, because it addresses all three pillars of our Sustainability Strategy – People, Planet, and Prosperity,” Ms Irvine says.

“It is a tangible way to support those in need in our community and to reduce waste. It also benefits our whole region, with surplus food collected from growers, supermarkets, and cafes delivered to charities in Queenstown, Wānaka, and Cromwell.”

Queenstown Airport has committed to providing $25,000 a year for three years to help cover operational costs and build KiwiHarvest’s resilience in the Southern Lakes region.

Ms Irvine says supporting local biodiversity is another important part of the airport’s Sustainability Strategy.

“We live and work in a spectacular part of the world. The airport is an important community asset, and we recognise our responsibility to preserve and protect our place.

"This year, we were honoured to win an ACI Green Airports ‘Platinum’ Award for the Shotover Wetland project –our biodiversity partnership in with the Whakatipu Reforestation Trust and Shotover Primary School to restore this regionally significant wetland.”

Ms Irvine says the airport has also expanded its composting programme and established an on-site waste-sorting facility to reduce recyclable materials being sent to landfill.

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS: 

• Airport Carbon Accreditation Level 4+: Joined the Airports International Council Airport Carbon Accreditation programme at the second-highest tier, demonstrating Queenstown Airport’s strong commitment to reducing organisational emissions and reporting a broader range of emissions sources, including aircraft emissions.
• 71% reduction in absolute emissions: Since the 2019 baseline year, Queenstown Airport has significantly reduced organisational emissions, making strong progress towards its target of an 85% reduction by 2028.
• International recognition: Winner of the ACI Green Airports ‘Platinum’ Award for the Shotover Wetland biodiversity project in partnership with the Whakatipu Reforestation Trust and Shotover Primary School.
• Sustainability-linked loans: First year of loans tied to Queenstown Airport’s sustainability performance, reinforcing its financial and environmental commitments.
• 100% renewable electricity: Certified renewable electricity now powers the airport.
• Electric ground service equipment: The airport is supporting its airline partners’ transition towards cleaner operations with the installation of chargers for electric ground service equipment.
• Community partnerships: Continued support for local initiatives, including the Whakatipu Reforestation Trust and Coastguard Queenstown.
• Employee wellbeing: Enhanced wellbeing programmes for airport staff, fostering a safe and inclusive workplace.
• Waste minimisation: Expanded composting programmes and established a waste-sorting facility to reduce landfill waste.
• Noise mitigation: Progressed the noise mitigation programme, improving the quality of life for Queenstown Airport’s residential neighbours.

The full Sustainability Report can be downloaded here.