Asset Management

Responsible investment highlights

NT Airports

Innovative investment in solar energy

As a pioneer in the field of investing in infrastructure, IFM Investors has always sought to deliver market leadership in the way that we manage our infrastructure investments. We have a strong track record of investing in infrastructure that delivers substantial benefits to communities and the economy.

An illustration of this approach is the on-airport solar projects at NT Airports, which encompasses Darwin and Alice Springs airports. These airports are critical domestic and international connection points for Northern Australia that bring tangible benefits to their local communities and regional economies. 

At Alice Springs Airport, we invested $6.1 million in large scale photovoltaic solar technology feeding to its internal electricity grid – the first Australian airport to reap the benefits of investing in solar energy. By installing more than 3,500 solar panels, many on top of upgraded car parking facilities, we provided a renewable energy solution and more sheltered carparks. The airport now generates up to 100% of its daily energy needs from the sun. The Australian Airports Association recognised this solar project by awarding Alice Springs Airport the ‘Major Airport of the Year Award’ in 2014.

Similarly at Darwin International Airport, we funded a $13 million solar photovoltaic development. The 5.5-megawatt project is one of the largest systems in Australia. Upon completion, more than 20,000 solar panels will generate savings of approximately 35% of the airport’s total electricity cost.

When both projects are combined, more than 8,000 tonnes of carbon emissions per annum will be eliminated.

These are excellent examples of enhancing environmental outcomes, offsetting carbon emissions and delivering cost savings to increase the long-term value of the airport and improve the customer experience.

Indiana Toll Road

Spotlight on safety

IFM Investors is committed to managing and developing all of our infrastructure assets in a safe, secure, efficient and environmentally responsible manner. This is exemplified by Indiana Toll Road (ITR), which, prior to IFM Investors ownership, had very little investment in safety since its construction in 1956. Since our acquisition in 2015, safety has been a key focus of both IFM Investors and ITR management. All employees have attended an additional safety training session and have received a high visibility safety jacket to emphasise safety as a core consideration.

In addition, ITR management has created a Safety First Plan, which is a three year strategy to reduce the amount and severity of injuries and incidents, and to better promote a workplace that has a strong awareness and accountability culture. The plan defines high-level priorities for ITR’s safety stakeholders and creates short, medium and long-term goals for safety achievement.

As part of this emphasis on safety, all staff are now required to complete one safety training module per month. The focus has resulted in an increase in the reporting of near miss incidents, indicating strong employee buy-in.

Further, an intelligent transportation system will be rolled out from 2016 with the goal of improving traffic management capabilities and increasing safety for both customers and staff. This will incorporate variable message signs to inform users of changes in driving conditions and hazards such as accidents and road works.