APM Terminals is calling for global container terminal operators to share best practices and to standardize the metrics used for measuring their carbon footprints in an effort to improve the industry's overall environmental performance, reports the Journal of Commerce.
Henrik Kristensen, senior director of sustainability at APM, reported during his talk on "Carbon Footprinting for Container Terminals," at the GreenPort 2010 International Ports and Environment Conference, that aggressive measures to improve fuel economy in combination with implementing environmentally sustainable terminal operating practices have yielded an eight percent reduction in the company's CO2 emissions per TEU over the past year, compared to 2008, according to a press release (PDF).
In September last year, the Retail Industry Leadership Association and the Coalition for Responsible Transportation (CRT) formed a partnership targeted at cutting diesel emissions in and around U.S. ports.
APM Terminals plans to reduce CO2 emissions per TEU by another 10 percent in 2010 based on 80-100 environmental projects currently underway.
APM Terminals started recording and analyzing environmental performance in 2007 to jumpstart the company's launch of sustainable business practices. Each terminal is assessed for fuel efficiency and other environmental impacts, which are recorded in an environmental report card for each terminal to drive local improvements.
Other environmental programs include implementation of sustainable port technology and lower diesel fuel consumption through the use of electric-powered terminal equipment. The container terminal also has a global certifiable Environmental Management System (EMS) in place, and engages local communities to increase sustainability.
