As Victoria’s gateway to the world, Melbourne Airport operates and manages critical state infrastructure that enables the safe and efficient movement of passengers and freight. We are the largest Victorian employment hub outside of the Melbourne CBD, supporting more than 20,000 jobs.

We recognise that a sustainable and environmentally responsible approach to business is vital to our success and have made significant strides in environmental sustainability. We were the first Australian capital city airport operator to commit to net-zero Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2025. We pioneered the installation of an onsite solar farm, which is being expanded to further reduce our reliance on gas. Additionally, we have secured an agreement to purchase renewable energy from our power company.

We actively collaborate with tenants and contractors to manage water quality during construction and operation, ensuring detailed monitoring and conditions around the estate. Our partnership with Melbourne Water and Brimbank City Council focuses on maintaining 25 hectares of revegetated land along the Maribyrnong River, a five-year project aimed at restoring wildlife habitats and improving local amenities and water quality.

Our onsite organic waste processing system converts waste from terminal retailers into fertilisers, while construction waste is minimised by reusing soil, water, concrete and asphalt. We’re also investing in electrifying our fleet and equipment and EV charging stations to support passengers’ and the airport’s transition to electric vehicles.

We host an annual World Environment Day event to protect the critically endangered natural temperate grassland of the Victorian Volcanic Plain within the airport estate. Over the past year, we’ve planted more than 10,000 native shrubs and trees and 3000 critically endangered natural temperate grasses of the Victorian Volcanic Plain, creating microhabitats for small birds, reptiles and insects.

Initiatives

• First Australian capital city airport operator to commit to net-zero by 2025

• Currently operate a 12 megawatt (MW) solar farm onsite, with construction on a further 7.5 MW underway

• Powering most of our four terminals with renewable energy from our solar farm and the renewable energy purchased form our power company

• Onsite organic waste processing system to convert organic waste from terminal retailers into fertilisers, which prevented more than 107 tonnes of organic waste from going to landfill last year

• Host an annual event on World Environment Day to help regenerate and protect the environment

• Planted over 10,000 native shrubs and trees over the past 12 months to provide microhabitats for small birds, reptiles and insects

• Banned single use plastics from food and beverage outlets before mandated in Victoria

• Flushing terminal toilets with recycled water

• Supported a Victoria University study in 2024 that investigated the complexities of waste management behaviours, focusing on recycling practices at Melbourne Airport