Port Nelson takes a lead on environment issues

Port Nelson Ltd has become the first major port in New Zealand to gain certification under the ISO 14001 Environmental Management System.

CEO Martin Byrne said this international standard is considered to be the most stringent of all the environmental management systems available in New Zealand.

'It is a real achievement to be the first major New Zealand port to make the commitment to externally audited continuous improvement in environmental management,' he said. 'Taking this step was the recommendation of our board and of the Environmental Consultative Committee and I would like to thank them for their support and advice as we worked through the requirements of the certification.'

Mr Byrne said gaining ISO 14001 meant taking a long hard look at the port¹s existing environmental management plan, against the framework prescribed by the standard.

'We have had an environmental committee for 13 years, and we were well down the track on some of the requirements. However, we needed to prioritise environmental impacts and put in place a system of quantitative performance indicators.'

Other steps included increased staff training and the introduction of a recycling system covering all areas from office paper to waste oil.

ISO 14001 certification is based on continuous improvement and auditors will continue to visit the port on a regular basis. They will ensure information is being gathered on the meeting of targets and check that procedures are working as described by the system. Targets have been set for increasing energy efficiency as well as for a continued focus on noise minimisation and mitigation.

Mr Byrne paid tribute to the company Environmental Officer Frances Woodhead, who drove the process. Frances also has her own art glass business and has appropriately made a recycled glass frame for the ISO 14001 certificate.

ENDS

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