First Emissions Management Programme for Ports Launched Amid Growing Calls to Implement CSR Policy

The growing emphasis on port-led CSR has prompted Carbon Positive, the carbon management consultancy for the maritime sector, to launch the first emissions management programme specifically to help ports to adopt a single, long-term strategy to manage their energy and natural resource requirements and reducing their carbon footprint, ultimately contributing to carbon emissions reduction targets for the shipping industry as a whole.

Environmental CSR is becoming increasingly significant for ports and stakeholders, including terminal operators, refineries and logistics partners, as financial institutions consider this an essential element of assessing maritime investments. In response, the climate change challenge is driving ports to explore sustainable business development opportunities and take a proactive approach towards energy efficiency and innovatively greening the supply chain.

Developed in collaboration with industry experts, the Carbon Positive Programme for Ports provides a structured carbon management plan for port operators and their users to make a positive impact on sustainability and gain public recognition for their environmental performance by promoting the decarbonisation of ports’ logistics and supply chains. The programme aims to encourage ports to reach the highest level of emissions reduction and eventually become carbon neutral through offsetting, identifying tangible opportunities for carbon offsetting and forestry investments.

Following the recent launch of the Carbon Positive Programme for Ships (CPPS), the Carbon Positive Programme for Ports (CPPP) embodies the same three key principles of Measure, Reduce and Offset and uses in-depth technological research and analysis to improve all port-related operational areas.

The Carbon Positive Programme for Ports offers a comprehensive analysis of ports’ carbon footprint – energy and natural resource and will measure, manage and report CO2 emissions on an annual basis against pre-agreed targets set using Carbon Positive’s multi-criteria tools in partnership with the port authorities. All technological and operational options for reducing carbon emissions are presented to the member. Quantitative cost-benefit analysis of managing the port’s footprint and feasibility studies are provided to assist and support expanding ports, and measures are then implemented. Finally, the remaining direct carbon emissions can be neutralised by offsetting.

After meeting the requirements of each phase, the member port is awarded with a certificate recognising its effort to reduce its carbon footprint, which will be independently verified to improve industry best practice standards. Carbon Positive will also support members ports in marketing their positive impact plan.

Carbon Positive CEO, Helena Athoussaki, said: “At this critical time for the shipping industry’s image, taking a formal approach to port-led CSR demonstrates to customers, industry stakeholders and investors that ports are serious about environmental and social risks. By delivering a standardised and verified programme that delivers maritime carbon emissions management for the long-term, Carbon Positive’s programmes can help the shipping industry to meet global emissions reduction targets and ports are a critical player in achieving this goal.”