Interview with Stephen Byron

In this exclusive interview, Stephen Byron, CEO at Canberra Airport, shares how the airport has achieved Level 4 of Airport Carbon Accreditation, detailing the strategies behind their carbon footprint assessment, stakeholder engagement, and sustainable infrastructure development. He highlights the role of Brindabella Business Park as a model for low-carbon commercial spaces, outlines the airport’s ambitious decarbonisation future plans, and underscores their commitment to biodiversity.

Canberra Airport has just joined the Airport Carbon Accreditation programme directly at Level 4: a huge achievement that places Canberra Airport among the 30 highest accredited airports in the Asia-Pacific & Middle East region. What were the key strategies and actions that enabled you to reach this advanced level directly, and what did the journey involve?

We take our commitment to sustainability seriously. In 2024, we made a strategic decision to better understand our carbon emissions as part of our broader responsibility to the environment. Climate change is a global challenge, and we recognise the important role businesses play in addressing its impacts. That’s why we conducted a thorough carbon footprint assessment across all areas of our operations—an essential step toward making Canberra Airport a greener and more sustainable place.

Through this initiative, we’ve set ambitious yet achievable sustainability goals that will guide our future operations. These goals align with our core values and support broader global efforts of the Airport Carbon Accreditation, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We’re also proud to support national and regional targets: supporting the Australian Government’s aim for a 43% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) by 2030 (compared to 2005 levels) and reaching net zero by 2050, as well as the ACT Government’s target of a 67-75% reduction in GHG emissions by 2050.

But our commitment goes beyond targets and numbers. By working alongside government initiatives, engaging with local sustainability projects, and sharing knowledge within our community, we’re determined to play an active role in protecting our environment. This journey isn’t just about an environmental audit—it’s a cultural shift in how we operate. Understanding our carbon footprint allows us to make smarter decisions that balance business growth with sustainability, ensuring a positive legacy for future generations.

Achieving Level 4 requires significant engagement with your third-party stakeholders, whilst aiming for net zero emissions for Scope 1 and 2. What has been your strategy for working with your partners, and are there any specific sustainability projects or policies shaping your long-term collaboration?

Beyond making internal improvements, we understand that real, long-term sustainability requires teamwork. That’s why we’re committed to working closely with our stakeholders to set shared goals and promote low-emission practices across all aspects of our operations. By fostering collaboration, we see this as a chance to build stronger, more sustainable partnerships—ones that align with our Scope 3 Net Zero 2045 goal.

Together, we’ll enhance engagement through education, joint sustainability initiatives, and open conversations about energy use, waste management, and carbon reduction efforts. By being transparent and proactive, we’re creating a future where sustainability isn’t just a goal—it’s a shared commitment.

Brindabella Business Park, located in the Canberra Airport area, is recognised as one of Australia’s leading sustainable business hubs. How does this development support your broader decarbonisation efforts, and what makes it a model for integrating commercial success with environmental responsibility?

Brindabella Business Park, located within the Canberra Airport precinct, is a development that exemplifies how commercial success and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand – and we’re proud to be part of it.. Recognised as one of Australia’s leading sustainable business hubs, the park integrates cutting-edge sustainability initiatives across its buildings and operations.

A prime example is the development of 8 Brindabella Circuit which is a 3 storey, 4,300sqm Grade A office building which was the first building in Australia to be awarded a 5 Star Green Star accreditation from the Green Building Council in 2004. The 5 Star rating was achieved by a holistic and dedicated approach including the innovation in the use of sustainable products and efficient services technologies. The resultant is a building that is energy efficient, reduces water use and utilised recycled concrete, structural steel and timber.

Fast forward to 2024 and Canberra Airport has continued to strive for excellence with the further development of four 100% electric Grade A office buildings totalling approximately 70,000sqm. This includes the highly awarded development of 6 Brindabella Circuit, a 20,000m² Grade A office development that has achieved a 5.5-star NABERS energy rating and a WELLS rating for Shell and Core. It features a 100% electric plant for carbon neutrality in operation and a 99kW solar system, underscoring our commitment to reducing carbon emissions.

Beyond energy efficiency, the park promotes sustainable transport options, including facilities for cycling and electric vehicle charging, encouraging tenants to reduce emissions associated with commuting. Water conservation measures and waste management initiatives further minimise resource consumption, aligning with our broader decarbonisation efforts.

The integration of WELL Gold principles ensures that our workspaces prioritise employee well-being, enhancing productivity and satisfaction. With over 60 businesses and 10,000 workers, Brindabella Business Park is a thriving community that demonstrates how sustainable development can support both environmental goals and business success.

Through these initiatives, Brindabella Business Park serves as a model for future developments, proving that businesses can thrive while actively reducing their carbon footprint.

Looking ahead, what are the key decarbonisation projects Canberra Airport plans to implement as part of its future strategy? Are there any innovative technologies or practices you intend to introduce that could serve as inspiration for other airports in the region?

At Canberra Airport, we’re taking bold steps toward a greener future by advancing our decarbonisation strategy through innovative projects and technologies. Our goal isn’t just to reduce our environmental impact—it’s to lead the way in sustainable aviation.

One of our key initiatives is expanding our on-site solar energy generation, building on our existing 2.6 megawatts of installed capacity. This project is a major milestone in our journey to achieving net-zero emissions by 2030 for Scope 1 and 2 emissions. We’re also ramping up our electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure, adding more charging stations across the airport precincts to support our sustainability vision and align with the ACT Government’s Zero-Emission Transition Plan.

By investing in solutions that are both innovative and scalable, we’re not only driving change within Canberra Airport but also inspiring other airports in the region to follow suit. Every step we take brings us closer to a more sustainable future—one where aviation and environmental responsibility go hand in hand.

Canberra Airport is surrounded by unique natural habitats. What steps are you taking to protect local wildlife and biodiversity as part of your wider sustainability strategy? Are there any specific initiatives or partnerships in place to minimise environmental impact while supporting the local ecosystem?

Sustainability isn’t just about reducing carbon emissions—it’s also about protecting and enhancing biodiversity. We’re committed to nature positive outcomes through environmental management and stewardship.  As part of our Threatened Species Management Plan, Canberra Airport conducts ecological surveys, manages habitats, and protects conservation areas across the airport.  We also collaborate closely with the Commonwealth Government on monitoring threatened species and implement mitigation strategies when needed. By aligning our efforts with regional biodiversity goals and collaborating with stakeholders, we’re taking proactive steps to preserve and support the natural environment for future generations.

Finally, what advice would you offer to other airports that are just beginning or looking to advance their decarbonisation journey within the Airport Carbon Accreditation programme?

Decarbonisation is an exciting and rewarding journey, and while challenges may arise along the way, every challenge comes with a solution. The key to making the process smoother is having a clear vision of your end goal and starting to collect the right data to guide you toward success. It’s not a quick journey, but it’s incredibly insightful—and when you reach your goal, the results are truly inspiring, fuelling you to push forward to the next level.