ESG award

This year the port achieved 92 out of 100 and was awarded GRESB 5 Stars, the highest rating and recognition for being an industry leader.

“Just three years ago at the beginning of our sustainability and diversification journey we started with a GRESB score of 40,” commented chief executive, Craig Carmody. “We jumped to 75 last year and now in 2021, we are ranked first across participating ports in Oceania and second globally,” he said.

The port, said to be the world’s largest coal exporting port, has been in operation for 222 years, handling more than 25 different cargoes through its deepwater global gateway. “We know that it is imperative for the Port of Newcastle to focus on diversification now to ensure a sustainable and economically resilient business for the future,” said Craig Cormody.

In the past 12 months the port has secured a loan which directly links the cost of debt to achieving sustainability targets, established an Indigenous STEM Scholarship with the University of Newcastle, secured a 100% renewable energy contract for 90.5% of the port’s electricity use, gained Silver Partner status in the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment’s Sustainability Advantage Program, and increased diversity and inclusion in the workforce.

“By taking this long-term approach to our business strategy we are working to create a strong, thriving port that continues to support local jobs and the economic prosperity of the Hunter and NSW economies,” Mr Carmody said.