The movement of coal, energy footprint and tanker safety topics covered
Port Metro Vancouver released its fourth annual Sustainability Report and 2013 Financial Report. Both reports together cover the period of January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2013 and provide a summary of Port Metro Vancouver’s overall performance.
The 2013 Sustainability Report is a Global Reporting Initiative B+ level, independently assured report that provides information on the sustainability topics of greatest significance to Port Metro Vancouver and its stakeholders. It is designed to provide greater transparency and accountability in how Port Metro Vancouver conducts business, and to offer a platform for sharing performance and receiving feedback.
The key topics discussed in the report include the industrial land shortage in the Lower Mainland, the movement of coal, noise proximity to residential areas, trucking and tanker safety.
Key accomplishments outlined in the 2013 Sustainability Report: |
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Environmental Footprint
In 2013, electricity consumption at port’s office facilities increased by 30 per cent as a result of the first full operating year of our new 16,000-square-foot office expansion at Canada Place, as well as some associated challenges with optimizing the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system, which have now been addressed.
Port Metro measures corporate greenhouse gas emissions annually in accordance with IS014064 part 1. In 2013, our operations were carbon neutral for a fourth consecutive year through the purchase of carbon offsets.
Tanker Safety
British Columbians are concerned about the risk of an oil spill an understandable concern, given the unique beauty and biodiversity of our coastal waters. Its a concern we share because we live here too, and take pride in the role we play in protecting these waters. Canadians produce, consume and trade petroleum products. Port Metro Vancouver facilitates Canadian trade of petroleum products and has served as Canadas Pacific Gateway for bulk oil for more than 100 years without navigational incident.
Tanker safety through the Vancouver Gateway is enabled by the collaboration of industry and government, and includes a variety of controls to manage the risk of an oil spill. Transport Canada requires that tankers calling at our port be double-hulled. The Canadian Pilotage Act requires all vessels over 350 gross tonnes, including oil tankers, to be piloted by a Canadian marine pilot. At Port Metro Vancouver, vessels are piloted by BC Coast Pilots, who are professionally trained and committed to the safety and protection of the environment. Tankers are escorted by tethered high-powered tugs, with seniorcaptains, in good visibility and with slack tide.
Terminals thoroughly inspect every ship before permitting access to their facilities. Deficient ships are not permitted to gain access until deficiencies are corrected, and this information is shared internationally under the Port State Control Program. Safety procedures and emergency preparedness are constantly tested. Simulations are conducted to test procedures and coordination among various parties. Live testing using tugboats and a loaded tanker ensures practices are coordinated and effective.
In 2013, the port endorsed all the recommendations arising from the federal Tanker Safety Expert Panels review of Canadas spill preparedness and response regime; read our response at portmetrovancouver.com/ tankersafety.
In 2013, along with industry and government, we established an independent not-for-profit Centre of Excellence designed to be the worlds leading source of information on best practices for marine transportation of oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) products.
For more information please read the full report by clicking below: