Wellington Airport plans net zero emissions by 2030

Replacing its vehicle fleet with EVs is part of Wellington Airport’s plan to reach net zero emissions by 2030.

“Air travel is vital to Wellington and New Zealand, so it has to change and become more sustainable,” says Wellington Airport chief executive Matt Clarke.

“That’s why we’ve set ambitious targets for ourselves and are working with airlines to help them transition as well.”

Key steps in consultation with airline partners include tracking against transparent, science-based targets; reducing overall energy use by 30% by 2030; improving heating, cooling and lighting systems efficiency; and prioritising gas boiler replacement and moving to 100% renewable energy sources.

Wellington Airport aims for absolute zero emissions (no carbon output at all) by 2050.

“Our emissions have reduced by 39% since 2017, and while this is largely due to COVID-19, the goal now is to decouple emissions from the expected strong growth in travel,” says Clarke.

“We’re also working directly with airlines to support their decarbonisation goals.

“Our aim is to be a pioneer and hub for electric flights, and we have established a working group on electrification with airlines and other partners.”

Click here for Wellington Airport’s net zero target summary.