Port of Newcastle says it has continued its improvement trajectory, achieving its highest coveted Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark (GRESB) score to date.
Additionally, it has maintained its 5-star GRESB rating for a third consecutive year.
“For the world’s largest coal port to go from a GRESB score of 40 in our first assessment in 2019 to 96 in 2023 is a remarkable achievement and our continuous improvement shows that we have truly embedded ESG as a core principle across our business and our culture,” says Port of Newcastle CEO Craig Carmody.
“We have been actively working to diversify our Port and to support a more sustainable future. Our Clean Energy Precinct will position us as a leading production, storage and export hub for future sustainable, clean energy products and technologies including hydrogen and green ammonia.”
The Port now handles more than 25 different types of cargoes. Last year, despite challenging environmental conditions, it saw strong trade volumes across several export commodities including wheat, meals and grains exports, and increased roll-on-roll project cargo including wind turbine components.
Port of Newcastle Chief Financial Officer and ESG Strategy Lead, Nick Livesey, says the 5-star GRESB rating is reserved for the top 20 per cent of surveyed companies globally, and formally recognises them as industry leaders in sustainability.
“Our diversified trade expansion and projects are supported by the work we have also completed to extend the scope of our 100 per cent renewable power purchase agreement, complete a port-wide energy efficient lighting upgrade, renew our EcoPorts certification, and switch our entire Port fleet to electric vehicles,” he adds.
“Our GRESB score recognises Port of Newcastle’s focused improvements in promoting a diverse and inclusive workplace as employer of choice in the region, and our expanded delivery of health and wellbeing initiatives to support staff, including our WORK180 endorsement, flexible work arrangements and career development opportunities.”
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