In 2023, Belfast Harbour has cut its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 18% and is expected to reach Net-Zero in its direct operations, well ahead of its 2030 target.
The figure in CHG was released by Belfast Harbour, having launched its first Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Report (see download) This tracks the organization’s sustainability activities against globally recognized and best practice Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Standards.
Against the baseline year of 2015, Belfast Harbour has achieved a 57% reduction in GHG emissions and in 2023 alone, reduced its Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 18%. A further 40% reduction is projected for 2024.
This has been achieved through a range of initiatives, including the introduction of new electric vehicles across its fleet and the increased use of low carbon alternative fuels including hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) in its pilot boats and plant machinery. Scope 1 and 2 emissions are those based on what is generated and purchased by a company through its own operations.
The reduction in GHG emissions means Belfast Harbour will reach Net-Zero in its direct operations over the next 2-3 years, making it the first port operator in the UK and on the island of Ireland to do so.
Joe O’Neill, Chief Executive of Belfast Harbour, said: “We are proud of the steps we have taken and the investments we have made to become a more sustainable business. Our record on greenhouse gas reduction is striking and while we had initially set a goal to be Net-Zero in our own operations by 2030, the statistics in our first ESG report show we are well ahead of that target. We are on track to be the first Net-Zero port operator in the UK and on the island in the coming 2-3 years which is a huge achievement. Our ambition doesn’t end there, as one of the leading responsible businesses in the region we are working to find effective ways to tackle more challenging Scope 3 emissions in our supply chain.”
Other successes noted in Belfast Harbour’s ESG Report include the move to 100% renewable electricity in its direct operations and for some tenants since 2019; achieving zero waste to landfill from direct operations and consistently surpassing national Air Quality Standards.
Sustainability was also a key focus in Belfast Harbour’s development activity, with the Port and Estate housing the first UK bespoke offshore wind assembly and installation terminal; City Quays Gardens set to become the first One Planet Living development in Northern Ireland; and the completion of the first BREEAM ‘Excellent’ logistics warehouse in the Region and the first BREEAM ‘Excellent’ film studios in the UK.
Milestones in people and partnerships included investing £3m back into local communities over the past ten years, including £310,000 in 2023; marking Belfast Harbour’s commitment to gender diversity by achieving the Bronze Diversity Charter Mark award; and a number of key ISO safety, energy, environmental management and business continuity certifications.
