Port Of Dover Receives Carbon Award

Following a rigorous, independent assessment the Port of Dover has been awarded the Carbon Trust Standard. This sought after certificate confirms that the port is committed to taking action on climate change by measuring, managing and reducing its carbon emissions by an impressive 13.2%.

Since 2006 the port has been working on a campaign to reduce its energy consumption with the help of staff and port tenants from all areas of the business. This involved simple campaigns that tackled working habits such as turning off computer screens and shutting windows in air-conditioned offices to finding innovative ways to generate heat and electricity using vegetable cooking oil.

One of the big success stories has been a major project to reconfigure the high mast lighting in the Eastern Docks to incorporate the latest lamp technology. New down-angled fittings will not only help prevent light pollution - reducing the wattage by 40% - but also contribute to lowering energy costs with a saving of 500,000 kWh per year.

Bob Goldfield, Chief Executive, Port of Dover, said: "This has been a long but extremely worthwhile journey. The process has covered three years of independent assessment and the result places the Port of Dover at the forefront of best environmental practice within the industry. Every aspect of our energy consumption has been analysed and discussed in detail, and this award recognizes not only the fantastic reduction in our carbon footprint but also the achievement of staff and tenants who were willing to making the changes needed. But the work goes on; we will build on the success of the last few years and remain committed to reducing carbon emissions in the future."

Harry Morrison, General Manager, Carbon Trust Standard, said: "We congratulate Port of Dover on their certification. Carbon is a complex issue so most people need a shorthand to indicate whether a company is doing the right thing. Achieving the Carbon Trust Standard allows Port of Dover to talk with integrity about the serious and credible steps it has taken to reduce its carbon emissions."