Christchurch Airport: Breaking Ground in Sustainability

Christchurch Airport has set a benchmark in sustainability by becoming the first airport in the Asia-Pacific and Middle East regions to achieve Level 5 status of Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA), the pinnacle of the programme. This milestone not only highlights the airport's commitment to reducing carbon emissions but also the strategic approaches and innovative projects that have paved the way for this success. In this interview, Ms. Claire Waghorn, Sustainability Transition Leader at Christchurch Airport, shares insights into the key steps and strategies that led to this achievement, including the development of a Green Transition Plan and the adoption of innovative solutions to address carbon emissions.

Ms. Claire Waghorn (centre) recieves the ACA Certificate from Mr. Olivier Jankovec (left), Director General, ACI Europe and Sheikh Aimen bin Ahmed Al Hosni, the then Chair of the ACI World.

Christchurch Airport became the first Airport in Asia-Pacific and the Middle East to achieve Level 5 status of Airport Carbon Accreditation. Could you share with us the key steps and strategies that led to this remarkable achievement?
Christchurch Airport began tracking its GHG emissions in 2006, recognizing the significant climate impact of aviation. In response, we developed a Green Transition Plan to reduce direct operational emissions. Joining the ACA programme at Level 2 in 2017, we progressed to become the first airport globally to achieve Level 4 in 2020 by embedding decarbonization across the business.

By 2021, we had reduced emissions by 90% and shifted our focus to supporting airline and supply chain partners. Achieving ACA Level 5 was a key milestone, strengthening partnerships and aligning with Scope 3 goals. We proudly received our Level 5 certification at COP28 in Dubai.

Our strategy has always been data-driven and based on science, focusing on areas of greatest impact. This includes developing a 400-hectare renewable energy precinct with large-scale solar, a new substation, and infrastructure for future low-emission aircraft technologies.

What were the main challenges Christchurch Airport faced in its sustainability journey, and how did you overcome them?
Our biggest challenge in airport decarbonization has been the availability of technology, forcing us to lobby manufacturers and actively create the solutions we need. This has involved some first-mover risk, but it's also been a significant advantage. For example, we pioneered ground source heat pump technology, which became the most impactful project in reducing our Scope 1 emissions—a solution that didn't previously exist. We are also eagerly awaiting the arrival of our first fully electric fire truck. However, we still need innovations for zero-emission refrigerants and de-icing substances to address immediate operational emissions.

On the aircraft emissions side, we face the challenge of building support infrastructure for novel propulsion aircraft before airline purchase agreements are signed—a classic “chicken and egg” scenario. Large-scale energy infrastructure takes time, and to derisk this, we’re exploring collaboration with regional partners interested in green hydrogen. We admire the approach taken by Rotterdam Airport and Rotterdam Port in this regard.

Sustainability initiatives often require substantial investment. How did Christchurch Airport manage the financial aspects of implementing these carbon reduction measures?
At the core of our business strategy is the commitment to balance people, planet, and prosperity. This means our sustainability initiatives must be financially sustainable—not necessarily profit-making but certainly not ongoing liabilities. So far, our major projects have proven financially sound. For example, our ground source heat pumps resulted in a NZ$500k maintenance cost savings, delivering a faster return on investment than anticipated.
In 2021, we also introduced a Sustainability Linked Loan (SLL), setting targets in emissions reduction, fleet transition, energy efficiency, and renewable energy generation. Meeting these targets earns us a loan discount, while missing them increases the cost of debt, creating a strong incentive to achieve and reinvest savings into future goals.

Could you provide some examples of specific projects or technologies that were key in reducing the airport's carbon footprint?
Our ground source heat pump project has delivered the single largest reduction in carbon emissions for Christchurch Airport. Previously, our International Terminal Building was heated by four boilers (two LPG and two diesel), contributing approximately 1,000 tCO2-e annually to our Scope 1 emissions. This project involved commissioning a groundwater and chiller energy center, which is compatible with the existing chillers and cooling systems in the international terminal. By replacing the diesel generators, we realized significant energy efficiencies, reduced carbon emissions, and lowered operating costs, all while preserving the integrity of our pristine natural aquifers.

We installed gate ground power at all our gates to reduce jet fuel consumption from the Auxiliary Power Units (APUs) of planes at the gate. In 2019, this accounted for 3,201 tCO2e, but thanks to increased ground power installations and usage, that figure has now dropped to around 519 tCO2e.

Our Gate Ground Power project involved a phased upgrade and expansion of fixed electrical ground power and pre-conditioned air systems across all contact stands. With airlines returning post-COVID and contracts being renegotiated, we seized the opportunity to advocate for greater adoption of emission-saving technologies, highlighting the environmental benefits and cost savings for our partners.

For example: 
Scenario:

• Aircraft: A320
• Usage: Ground power connected for 5 hours per day
• Duration: 365 days per year

Cost Analysis:

• Cost of Ground Power: $6,000 per annum
• Cost of Jet A1 Fuel: $130,000 per annum
• Total Annual Cost Savings: 
• Total Cost Savings = Cost of Jet A1 Fuel − Cost of Ground Power: 130,000 − 6,000 = 124,000

Environmental Impact:

• Total Annual Emission Savings: 730 tonnes of CO2 equivalent (CO2-e) per annum

Summary:

• Total Annual Cost Savings: $124,000
• Total Annual Emission Savings: 730 tonnes CO2-e

The introduction of aircraft ground power infrastructure has not only reduced emissions but also decreased particulate matter in our apron areas, leading to improved air quality for our ground handling staff. 

Achieving Level 5 is a significant milestone. How do you plan to maintain and further this achievement in the coming years, and what are your long-term sustainability goals?
In addition to maintaining over 90% emissions reductions, our goal is to achieve near absolute zero operational emissions by addressing the final 280 t CO2e within our direct control. The true value of ACA Level 5 lies in the enhanced collaboration with our airline partners to tackle the significant emissions from jet fuel used in aircraft. Currently, airline emissions from planes departing Christchurch Airport are measured approximately 800,000 t CO2e.

To address this, we are developing a renewable energy precinct, forming a hydrogen in aviation consortium (see our H2 Report for details), and working on our future fuels strategy. These initiatives ensure we have the necessary infrastructure in place to support our airline partners when they need it.

From a broader sustainability perspective, we are also in the early stages of developing our biodiversity framework, which complements our climate programme. We are applying similar initial steps as those in the early ACA levels, starting with measuring our biodiversity footprint and developing our policy framework. Next, we will identify and implement projects to mitigate our biodiversity impact.

What advice would you give to other airports in the Asia-Pacific and Middle East regions that are aiming to achieve similar levels of carbon management? Are there any best practices or lessons learned that you can share?
Be genuine in your climate action, relentless in overcoming barriers, and proactive in seeking co-benefits along the way. If you start planning early, even without all the answers, you will preserve more opportunities for the future. I strongly encourage all airports to engage in serious energy infrastructure master planning. While this may be new territory for many, transitioning to decarbonised aviation requires a deeper understanding of our energy systems. Ultimately, it’s about replacing jet fuel with clean, renewable alternatives. So, let’s start bringing that expertise into airport teams to drive this crucial change forward.