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 our carbon footprint and recognising our commitment to tackling the biggest environmental concern of our time, climate change.
Our green responsibilities don’t just cover our port operations. We 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. We 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 (MCS) 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.”
Issued by Port of Dover Corporate Communications on 01304 240400 (x 4430)
www.doverport.co.uk
Notes to Editors: Picture shows Dover Harbour Board environment team at work. Picture shows the Short-Spined Sea Scorpion (Myoxocephalus scorpius) discovered in the harbour. Earlier this year the Port of Dover were externally assessed and certified to the international standard for environmental management, ISO14001. The Port was awarded the Carbon Trust Standard for reducing its carbon emissions by an impressive 13.2% that’s equal to the weight of 3.5 tug boats or equal to the volume of 468 swimming pools! Port landfill waste is down 18%. Using the latest lamp technology to reduce light pollution – we have lowered our energy costs, saving 500,000 kWh per year, and reduced the wattage by 40%. The Port contributed to the £40,000 raised for the Roy Castle Foundation by recycling ink cartridges.
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