Port of Newcastle’s commitment to active environmental management and sustainable practices has been recognised as part of an NSW Government initiative.
The port was awarded Bronze Partner status in the Sustainability Advantage program, which recognises the organisation’s work to further strengthen its environmental performance through collaboration with NSW Office of Environment & Heritage (OEH).
The Sustainability Advantage Program is a government initiative that supports organisations to identify business benefits and opportunities for more sustainable work practises.
A core aspect of this program is working with companies, such as Port of Newcastle, to assist them in developing sustainability strategies and implementing tangible initiatives aligned to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
Port of Newcastle’s most recent sustainability initiatives include the adoption of smart energy and water meters, implementing green waste and soft plastics recycling, conversion to ultra-low sulfur diesel in its marine operations and a $33 million investment in bulk handling infrastructure and environmental improvements at the Newcastle Bulk Terminal.
The port has also invested more than $1.3 million to renew and remediate land to protect against environmental impacts.
Port of Newcastle Environment, Sustainability and Planning Manager, Jackie Spiteri said the recognition acknowledged the Port’s steadfast approach to active environmental management.
“We are thrilled to receive Bronze Partner status in the Sustainability Advantage program. It recognises the steps we have already taken to implement sustainable environmental practices across our port operations,” Jackie said.
“We are constantly looking for better ways to manage the environment and ecosystems across our operation in a safe, sustainable manner.”
“Part of this is a commitment to work collaboratively with other organisations, in particular other ports in Australia, to drive positive change that will protect the future of our assets and the communities in which we operate,” she said.
Earlier this year Port of Newcastle became the first port in Australia or New Zealand to become a member of the International EcoPorts network, the only Environmental Management Standard (EMS) specific to the global port sector.
The port has been working with others across the country to advocate for the benefits of the EcoPorts initiative. Earlier this month, Geelong Ports became the second in the region to join the initiative.
Port of Newcastle is working toward achieving certification under the EcoPorts Port Environmental Review System, which is independently tested against best practice management by Lloyds Register.
IMAGE | Jackie Spiteri, Port of Newcastle Environment, Sustainability & Planning Manager, with Matt Kean MP, Minister for Energy and Environment. (left-right)
