Sustainability
Gold Coast Airport is committed to advancing sustainability across the business, guided by Queensland Airports Limited’s (QAL) overarching vision to inspire a sustainable future. As part of the QAL group, we’re focused on delivering long-term, sustainable outcomes for our customers, partners and the communities in which we operate. These initiatives form part of a broader sustainability strategy designed to ensure Gold Coast Airport continues to grow responsibly while contributing to a more sustainable future for the region.
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Biodiversity & Heritage
Gold Coast Airport sits on a site rich in natural beauty, home to wetlands, waterways, and native vegetation that provide habitat for a range of flora and fauna. The Cobaki Environment Precinct, which represents approximately 25 per cent of Gold Coast Airport’s 371-hectare Commonwealth lease area, is protected under the Master Plan for conservation.
This area plays a crucial role in protecting biodiversity, providing a natural buffer to the Cobaki Broadwater, and supporting local ecosystems. We have strong measures in place to protect native plants and animals, including monitoring programs and pest management.
Outside of the airport boundaries, we also actively manage two biodiversity offset sites in northern New South Wales, covering almost 120 hectares.
Our Commitment to Net Zero
Queensland Airports Limited (QAL) is committed to achieving Net Zero for Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2030. Gold Coast Airport, which is owned and operated by QAL, will play a significant role in achieving QAL’s Net Zero ambitions.
Net Zero Implementation Plan
The Net Zero Implementation Plan lays out a clear roadmap, across six key workstreams to enable a reduction in emissions across all areas of the business.
Some examples of how we’re taking action include:
- Procuring renewable energy to power our operations sustainably
- Improving energy efficiency of our equipment
- Developing an electrification strategy to reduce reliance on fossil fuels
In 2024, QAL signed a power purchasing agreement with Queensland company CS Energy – ensuring the energy required to run Gold Coast Airport’s operations (Scope 2 emissions) is sourced solely from Queensland renewable energy assets from 1 January 2025.
We’re committed to the Airports Council International (ACI) Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) program and are currently accredited Level 2 Reduction.
The ACA is the leading decarbonisation framework for airports globally. Within the program, airports must measure and monitor their carbon footprints each year, as well as implement plans and policies for emission reductions.
We’re driven by our aspiration to inspire a sustainable future, ensuring Gold Coast Airport grows responsibly while protecting our environment for generations to come.
