Auckland Airport retains silver sustainability certification

Auckland Airport retains silver sustainability certification

Auckland Airport continues to be a sustainable destination, retaining Silver certification under the Earthcheck global sustainable tourism scheme.

As the key benchmarking, certification and environmental management programme used by the global travel and tourism industry, the Earthcheck Silver certification provides further confirmation that Auckland Airport is now a leader in the sustainability field.

Auckland Airport also shares the honour with the architecturally award-winning Novotel Auckland Airport, which achieved Silver status earlier this year. “The success of the Earthcheck certification for two companies at the key gateway into New Zealand is a real result for New Zealand tourism,” says Martin Fryer, Auckland Airport’s Sustainability Advisor.

“International visitors can arrive at an airport that is committed to sustainable business practice and walk into the foyer of a 4.5 star airport hotel adopting the same principals. This is a fantastic way for visitors to be welcomed into New Zealand.”

With an increasing number of New Zealand tourism operators and even whole communities, such as Kaikoura, following the Earthcheck standard, the programme is highly regarded within the travel and tourism industry in New Zealand.

“There is an extremely rigorous process involved to achieve Earthcheck certification,” continues Mr Fryer “It requires airports specifically to undergo independent third party audits on an annual basis and all participants must strive for continual improvement in performance.”

“The Earthcheck programme follows a standard that focusses on all areas of airport operations from our carbon emissions to the use of biodegradable chemicals. And we are also required to fix any raised corrective actions by the following annual audit, which certainly keeps us on our toes!”

Fryer says “It’s fantastic to receive this on-going recognition, particularly as we are creating a new, long term, sustainable business strategy that includes targets of Earthcheck Gold and Platinum certification over the coming five to ten years.”

Ends

For further information, please contact:

Kate Thompson
+64 21 385 446