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Port of Newcastle’s sustainability journey recognised by NSW Government

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Port of Newcastle has been awarded Silver Partner status in the government’s Sustainability Advantage program.

The announcement recognises the Port’s significant sustainability achievements since the launch of its Environment Social and Governance Strategy (ESG) in 2019.

Port of Newcastle CEO Craig Carmody says the Port’s ESG Strategy is critical to its ability to create a safe, sustainable and environmentally responsible Port for future generations.

“As custodians of the region’s most critical asset, it is imperative that we think in decades not years or months,” Craig says. “By taking this long-term approach to our business strategy and embedding ESG initiatives and thinking into everything we do, 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.”

“Over the past two years we have made significant progress towards achieving our ESG Strategy commitments through key initiatives – including the transition of 75 per cent of our vehicle fleet to electric vehicles; and securing a 100 per cent renewable energy contract for 90.5 per cent of our electricity usage, the remainder to be fully renewable by end of 2021. To date, we have reduced 35 per cent of scope one and two emissions directly generated by Port of Newcastle. It is fantastic to have those efforts recognised through Sustainability Advantage awarding Port of Newcastle Silver Partnership status in the program.”

Sustainability Advantage Director Mick O’Flynn says Port of Newcastle has made remarkable progress in their sustainability journey since joining the program in 2019.

“Sustainability Advantage is proud to work alongside innovative businesses like Port of Newcastle who are leading the way in how businesses adopt sustainability and environmental practices to reimagine and reshape the future,” Mick says. “Through its genuine commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, Port of Newcastle is making a significant impact to the future prosperity of the Hunter and NSW regions.”

Through the introduction of Port of Newcastle’s renewable energy contract the Port has also been able to reduce emissions from tenants operating within its embedded networks, a total of 3570 tonnes of CO2 equivalent Scope 3 emissions to date.

This recognition follows the Port of Newcastle securing an industry first Sustainability Linked Loan (SSL) in April which directly links the cost of its debt to achieving its science-based emission reduction targets.

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