Collaboration is key to Port Authority’s prize-winning plan for net zero
08 December 2023
Port Authority of NSW has embarked on an ambitious, sector-leading net zero emissions journey, driven by staff collaboration and a world first renewable energy scheme.
The Port Authority of NSW has worked with Sustainability Advantage to create an award-winning Sustainability Plan that has, in turn, driven a series of transformative actions. The plan is the result of close collaboration of staff, along with Port Authority’s customers and suppliers.
“Our Sustainability Plan, developed during extensive consultation with our staff, authentically speaks to who we are and what we want to achieve. It is something that our staff can feel genuine ownership of and pride in delivering,” says Port Authority CEO, Captain Phillip Holliday.
Port Authority of NSW has become the first Australian port to be certified by leading maritime environmental program, Green Marine. They have also become a Sustainability Advantage Silver Partner.
“We have worked very hard to achieve these outcomes and see our partnership with Sustainability Advantage as an important enabler on our journey to embed sustainability across the organisation,’’ Captain Holliday said.
Coming together for sustainability
Their whole process has been collaborative, with staff working with Sustainability Advantage to align the Sustainability Plan to the aspirational United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The Sustainable Development Goals are 17 goals to improve health and education, reduce inequality, and spur economic growth – all while tackling climate change and preserving our oceans and forests.
This plan, now deeply embedded in Port Authority’s DNA, has driven many impactful projects. They have sourced renewable energy from wind and solar, set a net zero roadmap and established an internal carbon emissions reduction working group.
In a world first, Port Authority of NSW is investing nearly $60 million to supply renewable Shore Power to docked cruise and dry bulk ships, saving up to 14,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions each year. Sustainability Manager for Port Authority Ryan Bennett explains that ships can power down their auxiliary engines by plugging into renewable energy from the shore, reducing emissions, noise, odours, and air pollution.
Based on their commitment and ambition, Port Authority was part of the Sustainability Advantage Value Chain Emissions Pilot. Port Authority is working closely with Sustainability Advantage, suppliers, and customers to measure and reduce emissions across the value chain.
Success on the road to net zero
In addition to the recognition from Green Marine and the NSW Government, Port Authority’s sustainability efforts have been recognised by the Banksia Foundation, winning the NSW Sustainability Award for large business transformation in 2022 and being a finalist in the National awards.
“These achievements reflect the progress we’ve made in embedding sustainable practices across our operations, as we work towards net zero by 2040,” said Amy Beaumont, Port Authority Group Executive, People, Environment and Legal.
It all adds up to net zero
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