Sustainability remains a key focus for WSA and the Company remains committed to delivering a sustainable Airport. Construction works are complying with the minimum Green Star and ISCA requirements. We also consulted with several stakeholders including the Green Building Council of Australia, the Infrastructure Sustainability Council of Australia, Qantas and Virgin Airlines. WSA published its Sustainability Plan in March 2019, providing an overall framework to the incorporation of sustainability into the development of Western Sydney International. The Sustainability Plan addresses the minimum requirements for Stage 1 Development and will be updated annually to reflect increasing sustainability ambitions beyond this as the design develops. WSA will continue to collaborate with stakeholders, including airlines, to influence outcomes in areas outside of the Airport’s operational control, and to demonstrate leasdership in the aviation industry.

Several external sustainability drivers exist which influence WSA’s decisions on sustainability for Western Sydney International. These include:

• Increasing frequency and rigour of application of the Infrastructure Sustainability (IS) and Green Star ratings to infrastructure projects, particularly in NSW;
• The Modern Slavery Act 2018 (NSW) and Modern Slavery Act 2018 (Cth) and the implications for workforce and supply chain management;
• Broad national commitments, including greenhouse gas emission targets aligned to the Paris Agreement;
• Desire to positively contribute towards global sustainability initiatives, such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, in line with pro-active corporate citizenship;
• External stakeholder expectation for the Airport to demonstrate leadership; and
• Investor valuation of sustainable assets, as demonstrated by sustainability rating systems, such as Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark (GRESB).

Integrated Sustainability

WSA aims to design, construct and operate Western Sydney International in accordance with leading practice sustainability principles. A consistent approach to sustainability, across packages of work and throughout various phases of the project, will be necessary for project-wide success. The adoption of an integrated approach that considers risks and opportunities, invites input from diverse disciplines and backgrounds, and embeds sustainability into practices, will realise multiple positive outcomes.

Sustainability Policy

WSA is a purpose-led business and sustainability is an enabling mindset to guide the Airport to make a positive impact over its lifetime. The Sustainability Policy sets out our commitment to create a safe, healthy, thriving and sustainable Airport for Western Sydney. The policy guides corporate behaviour, as well as the design, construction and operation of Airport facilities, associated precincts, and third-party developments within the Airport site.

Improvements for Future Generations
The Airport will bring employment, services, facilities and socio-economic benefit to Western Sydney. Planning for the Airport will prioritise the wise use of resources so that future generations have the same or better access to those environmental resources.

Cost Reduction
Doing more with less saves money. The design, build and operations of the Airport will factor in minimal use of water, electricity, other materials and consumables to be resource-efficient. Resource-efficient design is one approach that WSA is considering to minimise ongoing operational costs.

Improved Asset Value
Sustainability initiatives can be an indicator of quality, which contributes to increaseing the value of the asset. The Airport will consider and seek to minimise climate change risks, use innovative technology and flexible design to be future-ready, and respond to sustainability rating systems and benchmarks to demonstrate leadership. These actions will result in improved asset value, and render the Airport an attractive proposition for potential investors.

Planning for the Future
A sustainable Airport will be able to adapt to changes in the market, technology and customer expectations. In helping the Airport to be flexible and resilient, sustainability initiatives are likely to be a key driver of value over the long term.

Meeting Stakeholder Expectations
In line with industry objectives globally, WSA’s stakeholders, ranging from the Commonwealth Government to future users and local residents, expect the Company to design, build and operate
a sustainable Airport.

For more information on WSA’s Sustainability Plan, please visit westernsydney.com.au.