Newcastle International Airport named sustainability Sector Leader
Newcastle International Airport is pleased to announce that it has been named one of the sustainability sector leaders in the 2023 GRESB Infrastructure Assessment.
GRESB is an industry-led organisation that collects, scores and independently benchmarks the environmental, social and governance (ESG) data of over 2,000 assets worldwide – providing investors and asset managers with an insight into business performance on complex sustainability topics.
This year, Newcastle International Airport achieved a record score of 99% in the assessment – ranking the business 3rd in the world amongst participating airports and achieving ‘Sector Leader’ status.
The Airport was reviewed against a strict ESG framework that looks at how an organisation manages risks and opportunities related to environmental, social and governance issues. The assessment looked at the Airport’s policies and leadership, risk management, stakeholder engagement, sustainability activities and ambitions, customer experience, employee wellbeing and health and safety.
The Airport was recognised for its recently released annual Corporate Social Responsibility Report, its Noise Action Plan and Net Zero 2035 roadmap. Other significant activity included the procurement of 100% renewable electricity, the launch of the Airport’s solar farm - which is capable of supplying 100% of the Airport’s electricity requirements on a sunny day and achieving its target of zero Airport waste going to landfill.
Nick Jones, Chief Executive of Newcastle International Airport said: “It is fantastic news to be credited with sector leader status for our ESG performance. Over recent years we have made great strides towards our ambitious sustainability and environmental targets, including to become Net Zero Carbon by the year 2035, and this has been reflected in our consistently strong performance in our GRESB scores year on year. This year sees our highest ever score and is credit to all of the excellent work that is ongoing in departments across the business.”
Graeme Ferguson, Head of Airports at InfraBridge said: "It is important to us that our portfolio companies take their sustainability and environmental impacts very seriously. Newcastle International Airport is leading the way with this exceptional GRESB score and it is fantastic to see the business rewarded as a Sustainability Sector Leader.
“We are very proud of what the Airport has already accomplished and look forward to continuing to work with the business as it strives towards becoming Net Zero by the year 2035."
Cllr Tracey Dixon, Leader of South Tyneside Council and Chair of the LA7 shareholders said: “This is a fantastic achievement and demonstrates the work and commitment of the Airport and its shareholders towards environmental sustainability and demonstrating strong values of social responsibility.
“The Airport is a significant asset to the North East and we absolutely must lead by example in championing sustainability.”
GRESB data is used by hundreds of capital providers and thousands of asset managers to benchmark investments across portfolios and to better understand the opportunities, risks and choices that need to be made as the industry transitions to a more sustainable future.
The GRESB sector leader awards recognise real estate and infrastructure companies, funds and assets that have demonstrated outstanding leadership in sustainability each year.
Sebastien Roussotte, CEO of GRESB said: “GRESB Sector Leaders embody the industry's champions, leading the charge towards a net-zero future and propelling the sector forward. We wholeheartedly commend this year's Sector Leaders for their dedication, leadership and commitment to ESG principles and sustainability."
