14 May 2015
Shoreham Port has recently been re-certified as an Eco-Port after its initial Port Environmental Review System (PERS) award in 2013. Presented by the European Sea Ports Organisation (ESPO) the PERS accreditation means that Shoreham Port continues to be a member of the Eco-Ports network, the only port sector specific environmental management standard.
Compliance with the PERS standard is independently assessed by Lloyd’s Register Quality Assurance and the certificate has a validity of two years. The ESPO commented this week “We are delighted to observe the increased interest shown to PERS by European port authorities and encourage all ports within its membership to implement the scheme and to get certified.”
Shoreham Port is one of only eleven ports in the UK to hold Eco-Port status. It continually assesses its environmental impact to develop strategies that will improve the Port’s carbon footprint.
Paul Johnson, Safety & HR Director at Shoreham Port commented “We are delighted to have been audited to the PERS standard and to have achieved accreditation for the second time. Ports who are accredited to the PERS standard are audited every two years in order to maintain this prestigious environmental credential.”
Paul continued “Environmental improvements are a key element of our business plan and we have some exciting developments taking place this year to strengthen the sustainability of the Port.”
At the beginning of the year Shoreham Port was granted planning permission to build two wind turbines in association with Fine Energy and Norvento. The turbines will on average be capable of producing annually 555,000 kWh of electricity, matching the energy demand of the Port’s pump house.
The Port is also working closely with the Brighton Energy Co-operative on plans to add another set of solar panels, adding to the 2,000 solar panels already installed. Peter Davies, Development Director at Shoreham Port added “We are making significant steps in improving the carbon footprint of the Port. Ultimately our goal is to ensure that the Port is sustainable and will be here serving the community for many years to come.”
If you’d like to find out more about Shoreham Port’s plans for the future and talk to the team, don’t miss the Annual Public & Stakeholder’s Meeting on Tuesday 7th July at the Barn Theatre in Southwick. For full details please visit www.shoreham-port.co.uk/publicmeeting.
