Western Sydney International Airport Demonstrates the Value of IS Rated Infrastructure
The Infrastructure Sustainability Council (ISC) has welcomed the opening of Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport, recognising the project as a landmark achievement in sustainable infrastructure delivery and a powerful example of the value infrastructure can create for communities, industry and future generations.
As Australia’s first new greenfield international airport in more than 50 years, Western Sydney International Airport represents a transformative investment in the nation’s future, delivering connectivity, economic opportunity and jobs for one of Australia’s fastest-growing regions.
The airport’s development has also set new benchmarks for sustainability with multiple components of the project recognised through the Infrastructure Sustainability (IS) Rating Scheme, including the Airside Civil and Pavement Works, Landside Civil and Building Works, Stage 1 Cargo Works and associated infrastructure packages.
ISC A/Chief Executive Officer Deb Spring said the opening of the airport demonstrates how sustainability can be embedded across every stage of major infrastructure delivery.
‘Western Sydney International Airport is one of the most significant infrastructure projects delivered in Australia in recent decades.’ ‘What makes the project particularly noteworthy is the way sustainability has been integrated into its planning, design and delivery, creating lasting value not only for airport users, local communities, workers and the broader economy.
‘The IS Ratings achieved across multiple project packages demonstrate a commitment to excellence and show that sustainability and productivity go hand in hand.’
The project has delivered strong environmental, social and economic outcomes through construction, including innovative approaches to emissions reduction, resource efficiency and sustainable materials.
ISC’s work with project partners also highlighted examples such as the use of lower-carbon asphalt products, helping reduce embodied carbon while maintaining the performance requirements of a major aviation asset.
Western Sydney International has also been recognised for its commitment to create positive social outcomes alongside the delivery of critical infrastructure.
From its earliest stages, the project established a strong focus on engagement with Western Sydney’s Aboriginal communities and Traditional Owners, helping embed cultural recognition, participation and inclusion into the airport’s development.
Project partners worked with Aboriginal stakeholders to create employment and training pathways, support Aboriginal businesses through procurement opportunities and strengthen understanding of the area’s rich cultural heritage. These initiatives have helped ensure the benefits of the project extend beyond the physical infrastructure itself and contribute to long-term community outcomes.
‘One of the defining features of this project has been its commitment to ensuring local communities share in the benefits of investment,’ Ms Spring said.
‘Western Sydney International demonstrates how projects can create opportunities for local communities, strengthen relationships with First Nation peoples, support skills development and deliver environmental improvements alongside critical infrastructure.
‘These are exactly the outcomes Australians increasingly expect from major projects, and they are outcomes the Infrastructure Sustainability Rating Scheme is designed to recognise and encourage.’
Several Western Sydney International project packages have also been recognised as finalists in the 2026 ISC Awards, further highlighting the innovation, collaboration and leadership demonstrated throughout the airport’s delivery.
As the airport begins operations, ISC congratulates Western Sydney International Airport, is delivery partners, contractors, suppliers and workforce on reaching this incredible milestone.
‘We congratulate everyone involved in delivering this nationally significant project and look forward to seeing the benefits it creates for generations to come.’
IS Rating Scheme
The Infrastructure Sustainability Council’s IS Rating Scheme is Australia’s leading framework for evaluating sustainability performance across infrastructure assets, projects and programs. The scheme assesses environmental, social, economic and governance outcomes throughout the infrastructure lifecycle.
Western Sydney International Airport project packages recognised through the IS Rating Scheme include:
- Airside Civil and Pavement Works
- Landside Civil and Buildings Works
- Stage 1 Cargo Works, and
- Associated supply chain and social outcome initiatives, including lower-carbon materials and Indigenous engagement programs.
Media enquiries
Annie Manson
Policy & Advocacy Manager
Infrastructure Sustainability Council
+61 422 131 741
annie.manson@iscouncil.org