Lake Matheson © P Hlavacek
We have been actively reducing our emissions for six
years...
Christchurch Airport believes it is essential that positive
steps are taken to address the climate change perceptions of
international travellers visiting New Zealand, while also
undertaking proactive efficiency initiatives as a responsible
corporate citizen.
Carbon Neutral Status
Six years ago, CIAL became the first airport company in the
Southern Hemisphere to attain certified carbon neutral status,
through the reduction and offsetting of the greenhouse gas (GHG)
emissions directly generated by the airport company's operations.
The airport company received carboNZeroCert
TM certification from Landcare Research following a
detailed measurement and analysis process. The airport company
annually measures, manages, reduces and mitigates GHG arising from
its operational business activities. This process is
externally audited each year.
By using a "control approach," CIAL has accounted for 100% of
the GHG from operations over which it has control, this
includes this includes emissions from the Terminal buildings,
Propel - facilities management, Corporate office, Airport Fire
Service in addition to the three commercial businesses;
International Antarctic Centre, The Wash and Craddocks Car
Storage. Consistent with the controls approach
GHG emissions from aircraft movements, vehicles not owned
by CIAL, and buildings not operated by CIAL are excluded from
the CIAL inventory.
The top ten GHG emission sources arising from CIAL operations in
2011-12 are displayed in the chart below. Electricity use in
the terminal is the largest source and equates to 52% of CIAL's
total operational emissions.
Current Actions:
The airport company is committed to sustainability and
environmental management and has developed an Emissions Reduction
Plan to reduce current emissions. Some projects in this plan
include:
- Using groundwater as an energy source for air conditioning in
the terminal to reduce electricity use. Groundwater is circulated
through the heat exchange and discharges back to ground with no
change in quality.
- Optimising energy use in the terminal by carrying out regular
energy audits to address any energy inefficiencies.
- Undertaking a comprehensive waste minimisation project to
reduce volumes of paper, cardboard and organic materials being sent
to landfill.
- Using recycled asphalt in the annual runway maintenance program
where possible.
- Adopting a vehicle replacement policy that includes fuel
efficiency and carbon emission considerations.
