Successful implementation of Environmental Management System.
Lerwick Port Authority’s environmental strategy is delivering long-term benefits in an ongoing, broad-ranging programme of measures which is continuing to evolve.
Following the decision to develop an Environmental Management System (EMS), designed to continually improve environmental performance whilst maintaining a sustainable and commercially viable port, Lerwick became the first Scottish port authority to be awarded certification to the internationally recognised Environmental Standard ISO 14001:2004, in October 2008.
So far, 65 Environmental Regulations have been reviewed to ensure operations are compliant and more than 20 primary objectives have been completed, including creating an Environmental Aspects Register to identify and record aspects and impacts of the Port Authority’s activities and services.
Sandra Laurenson, the Port Authority’s Chief Executive, said: “We recognise the tremendous importance of caring for the environment in all aspects of the harbour’s operations and the enthusiasm and commitment of our staff is key to meeting objectives and targets.
“In addition, our customers, especially those in the offshore oil industry, are increasingly requesting confirmation that the port’s environmental status matches the high standards in their own operations. Environmental sustainability is, therefore, much more than just a trend - it is becoming a necessity for business competitiveness.”
The successful implementation of the EMS is the focus of a Bulletin* from the Port Authority, the latest in an occasional series updating activity and development at the harbour.
Environmental improvements and savings produced throughout the port in 2009 included an 8% increase in motor fleet fuel efficiency; a 26% decrease in electricity at the Port Authority’s Operations Centre and 7% across all sites; a 30.5 tonne reduction in CO² emissions, and 31,000 sheets of paper – equivalent to 3.75 trees – saved.
During the year, 237 tonnes of waste landed by vessels into skips were sent to approved handlers, 32 tonnes of debris were collected from the seabed by divers and 20,650 litres of waste oil were collected for recycling/reuse.
The recycling programme has included metal wire and anchors, ink cartridges, batteries, oil drums, aerosol and paint tins, pallets, glass, cans, plastic bottles and newspapers.
In seeking to ensure continuous improvement, objectives for 2010 include operational staff maintaining Maritime & Coastguard Agency approved oil spill response training; upgrading oily waste reception and recycling facilities; improving efficiency of marine aids to navigation by introducing light emitting diode (LED) technology, and building on initial success in CO² reduction by implementing further energy efficiency strategies.
Download: Lerwick Port Authority's Environmental Information Bulletin - June 2010 [PDF Format: 2.04MB]