Port Celebrates Double Environmental Achievement

The Port of Felixstowe is celebrating after achieving a significant environmental double. It was a winner for the second year running at Suffolk County Council’s ‘Creating the Greenest County Awards’ and the publication of its latest Environmental Report has shown a 10% reduction in its carbon footprint since 2008.

The port won the coveted Business Culture Award after impressing the judges with its efforts to change practices throughout its 2,500 employees to address a number of environmental impacts.

The award was judged on criteria including engagement with employees and customers, project scope and proven environmental impact. The port scored highly for its communication and promotional activities, used to highlight its environmental objectives and to encourage employees to get involved, including its award-winning Travel Plan and engagement with national campaigns such as 10:10.

David Gledhill, Chief Executive Officer for Hutchison Ports (UK) Ltd, which owns the Port of Felixstowe, said:

“Environmental performance continues to be a key driver for us as it makes sense from both an environmental and a business perspective. Our employees’ actions, from car sharing to the recycling of waste have all contributed to our improved environmental performance. Tapping into individuals’ recognition of their responsibility for the environment continues to be a priority and we have an extended communications and engagement plan for 2011. This award is testament to both the business as a whole and our employees who have helped make our carbon reduction scheme so successful.”

The most tangible improvement in the port’s environmental impact has been the overall reduction in its carbon footprint. As certified by the Carbon Trust, the port has reduced its carbon emissions by 10% since 2008.

David Gledhill continued:

“Reducing the impact we have on the environment and offering our customers a range of sustainable distribution options is one of our key objectives. We already handle more containers by rail than any other UK port and are continuing to invest heavily in improving our rail terminal facilities. These rail options, combined with the growing use of sustainable coastal shipping services available through the port, and our own actions to reduce our carbon footprint, make the Port of Felixstowe the true low-carbon option.”

Information on all the environmental initiatives at the port is contained within the recently published annual Environmental Report, which also provides details of the environmental impact the port has on the surrounding area.

Further information on the report can be found at:

http://www.portoffelixstowe.co.uk/publications/documents/POFEnvironmentReport2010.pdf