Green port strategy

Developed over a two-year period, in consultation with its many diverse stakeholders, Napier Port’s sustainability strategy is ambitious and comprehensive.

“Advancing sustainability at Napier Port is embedded in our business strategy as a foundation, reflecting the importance of leaving a positive legacy for future generations, while delivering for our customers, community and wider regional economy,” said Todd Dawson, chief executive, Napier Port.

“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,” he said.

Ambitious

The strategy extends out to a ten-year time frame, setting out areas of focus and actions and identifying where further investigations, data collection and measurements are required.

The New Zealand government has incorporated the principles of the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into the country’s legal and regulatory framework and Napier Port has incorporated 14 of them into its Sustainability Strategy, with an initial emphasis on achievable, local actions.

Napier Port chairman Alasdair MacLeod said: “Focusing on what we can achieve locally and helping others to do the same, means we can make a difference in addressing urgent global challenges like climate change, environmental degradation, prosperity, and wellbeing for people and communities.”

The strategy concentrates firstly on local issues which the business can directly influence and improve aiming for zero net emissions by 2050.

It will do this by promoting healthy reefs and clean oceans locally; running community projects and good neighbour programmes; protecting marine and bird life; continuing to build a workplace that embraces diversity and cultural value; adopting clean energy solutions, and minimising waste or duplication of resources.

Development of the strategy has highlighted that a number of existing programmes and policies across Napier Port are already underway and contributing towards greater sustainability.

As of August 2021, 48 sustainability actions are underway, with a further 42 in planning. The actions encompass social, economic and environmental initiatives, enabling Napier Port to create a truly sustainable business.

Mr MacLeod said, “As a company that plays an important part in regional growth and prosperity, Napier Port embraces the opportunity to take a leading role in achieving a better and more sustainable future for all.”

The company is eager to partner with other businesses and organisations, sharing what it has learned with others to implement sustainable initiatives region-wide.