Sustainability

Sustainability for the Port of Brisbane Corporation means making economic progress, protecting the environment and being socially responsible.

In response to the recent drought, and the wider global debate on climate change, we are committed to working with the port community to showcase the Port of Brisbane as a sustainable business precinct.

Some of our more recent initiatives aimed at reducing the Port of Brisbane’s ecological footprint include energy efficiency, a green corporate fleet and constructing green buildings.

Energy efficiency

We recently trialled an energy-saving device that shows potential energy savings of up to 25%.

The Australian-made Light Save^TM device was installed on a light tower at our Brisbane Multimodal Terminal. The device does not compromise or alter the light levels, and we are currently trialling it on another nine light towers at the facility.

We hope to reduce our greenhouse gas emission by 100 tonnes each year, which is the same as removing 25 cars from the road, as well as encourage other port operators to install this device.

Green buildings

We achieved a five-star Green Star design rating from the Green Building Council of Australia for the first commercial building (Port Central 1) in the master-planned commercial and retail hub, Port Central.

Port Central will cater for the growing number of port workers, which is estimated to increase from the current workforce of about 1,600 workers to an estimated 6,000 by 2025.

Port Central 1 is a three-story office building that incorporates the latest in technology and sustainable design. In an air-conditioning-reliant climate such as Brisbane, the use of natural light, passive air-conditioning and automated sunshades delivers significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.

The building also incorporate significant water-saving features, an architecturally-clad 260,000 litre water tank integrated into the building façade, and a focus on shared spaces, which promotes a sense of community.

Port Central 1 sets the benchmark for the remainder of the Port Central precinct, and we will be measuring how well this building performs in terms of its economic, ecological and social footprint/outcomes.

This benchmark is extended to developers of strategic port land through the Corporation’s Land Use Plan and Development Code. The Development Code guides and directs the physical and operational activities of all new development across the port. It includes fundamental sustainable design and building criteria which must be addressed as part of each development.

The Corporation received the 2007 Planning Institute of Australia (Qld Division) Industrial Planning "Award for Excellence" for these documents.

Motor vehicles

We have introduced a new motor vehicle policy to reduce the air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions attributed to Corporation vehicles.

The vehicles are required to meet an environmental standard that is based on the Australian Government’s Green Vehicle Guide (www.greenvehicleguide.gov.au).

A minimum Green Vehicle Guide rating of 10.5 out of 20 must be achieved and the greenhouse emissions rating must contribute at least 5 out of 10.

The policy also reflects not only the purchase price, but also the contribution of fuel consumption, maintenance and resale value to the value of the vehicle while owned by the Corporation.

Greenhouse gas emissions

Since 2003, the Corporation has participated in the Commonwealth’s Greenhouse Challenge Programme (www.greenhousechallenge.gov.au). This is a voluntary programme whereby participants disclose their annual greenhouse gas emissions.


Port of Brisbane Corporation Greenhouse Gas Emissions in 2006/2007

Through our purchase of BP Ultimate and BP Autogas fuels, almost ½ of the greenhouse gas emissions from our petrol and autogas use (603 Tonnes) were offset through BP Global Choice programs.

Port Sustainability Advisory Group

We are forming a port-wide advisory group that will provide advice on climate change issues that affect the whole of the Port of Brisbane.

It will comprise decision makers from the various port operators and will meet quarterly.

Water conservation

We have developed a water strategy that sees compliance as a base level, aiming to lead industry by achieving well beyond that level.

Our water strategy includes our direct activities, our contractors’ and port tenants’ activities, and our staff, and wide community water-use habits.

Since 2005, with the introduction of water-efficient fittings, education and alternatives to potable water, we have reduced our overall water consumption by 75%.

Looking to extend these water-saving initiatives to our contractors and tenants, we have undertaken research into water use around the port.

We have found alternative water for 95% of the construction activities around the port and by forecasting the port’s anticipated construction activities, we can plan activities without constraint, even under tough water restrictions.

We work closely with our port tenants to investigate all water initiatives and reuse opportunities around the port.

For example, we are now recycling the water required to cure each section of concrete wharves, by capturing the water, and pumping it back through a tank.

Future initiatives include water-harvesting opportunities, and post-development audits to ensure practices and fittings remain in place, and are delivering the expected outcomes.

Waste

We recently installed a composting toilet at the Port Gate boat ramp, which is located close to the port facilities. This modern facility has the ability to treat 100% of the water and sewerage into wastewater suitable for irrigation.

The system uses natural process such worms, bugs, and beetles --- and not harmful chemicals --- to break down the waste with no odour and little use of electricity. The water from the system is Class A water quality and will be used to water the surrounding landscape at the boat ramp.