The Port of Dover is beating a path as a world leader in port environmental management and maintaining a positive commitment to minimising the impact of the port on the local environment. The Port has announced that, from dimming light pollution in the Eastern Docks to reducing sulphur dioxide levels for the forth consecutive year, they're making a real difference in managing those issues that may affect the local community.
Among the many 'green' targets met over the past year the Port and its tenants recycled over 150 tonnes of waste - saving it from landfill, recycled 160 kgs of ink cartridges for charity, reduced water consumption and utilised 'used' cooking oil in an innovative project to generate heat and power. These efforts culminated in the achievement of the Carbon Trust Standard - awarded for reducing their carbon footprint and recognising their commitment to tackling the biggest environmental concern of our time, climate change.
The Port's green responsibilities don't just cover the port operations. They take stewardship of the harbour and environs seriously and although Dover Beach is not a designated bathing water beach, due to the nature of activities which take place there, the Port is keen that the water quality meets bathing water standards. They invite the Environment Agency to monitor water quality at Dover Beach on a weekly basis throughout the summer season and the Port is delighted to be included once more in the Marine Conservation Society's Good Beach Guide.
The Port regularly conducts wildlife surveys around the harbour be it birdlife or algae and the environmental team often discover new visitors to our shores, one recent find was a Short-Spined Sea Scorpion (Myoxocephalus scorpius). Occasional seal sightings also indicate that the waters around the harbour are clean and healthy enough to attract and sustain these 'wildlife tourists'.
The Port also provided support and funding to a White Cliffs Countryside Partnership beach clean event at Shakespeare Beach as part of the Marine Conservation Society's annual Beach Clean Week. The day was a resounding success with 18 bags of litter collected, weighing a total of 75kgs. Around 68% of the items found were plastic, which is the most common form of litter at beaches across the country.
Bob Goldfield, Chief Executive said: "We continually strive for excellence in Port environmental management and this is especially so when recognising the significant amenity value that our attractive seafront and harbour has for the local community and visitors alike. Working towards a cleaner environment whilst operating one of the world's busiest ferry ports and all that this entails requires expertise and dedication for which the port is internationally renowned."
