Ambitious sustainability strategy

Napier Port’s sustainability strategy and action plan has a 10-year time frame and is aligned to Government and United Nations goals. More than 100 identified actions are included.

Todd Dawson, chief executive of the port, said: “With more than 100 identified actions it will definitely challenge us, but we didn’t want to take the easy path. We wanted a strategy that will actually enable us to make a difference and one that is authentic to Napier Port and our community.”

The strategy concentrates firstly on local issues which the port can directly influence and improve, including promoting healthy reefs and clean oceans locally; aiming for zero net emissions by 2050; running community projects and good neighbour programmes; protecting marine and bird life; continuing to build a workplace that embraces diversity and cultural values; adopting clean energy solutions, and minimising waste or duplication of resources.

Environmental initiatives already undertaken include launching a Marine Cultural Health Programme; installing LED floodlight towers; reducing carbon emissions; creating artificial reefs to increase biodiversity; undertaking water quality surveys and monitoring, and the protection of at-risk bird species that make their home at Napier Port.

As of August, 48 sustainability actions are underway, with a further 42 in planning.