PERS
certification is a solid expression of merit for a port that it is transparent
in its environment report; it also testifies to the fact the port is closely
monitoring environmental challenges so as to satisfy compliance and customers’
satisfaction. It is industry-friendly.
For the
first time since its establishment, EcoPorts has reached the number of 32 ports certified with the environmental
performance standard of the network (PERS), says a release from EcoPorts.
Set up in 1997, EcoPorts operates under the
European Sea Ports Organisation (ESPO) and is the main bottom-up initiative of
the European ports to address the environmental challenges the sector faces.
Being PERS certified requires amongst
others that the port increases transparency by making its environmental report
publicly available. It also implies that the port is effectively monitoring the
environmental challenges and is implementing an improved environmental
management. PERS facilitates ports to comply with legislation and meet customer
expectations. Additionally, ports’ environmental performance is increasingly
taken into account (“factored-in”) in calculations of the premium by major
insurance companies; standards such as PERS are recognized as components of a
sustainable approach.
“For many ports, PERS certification is
the cherry on the cake, rewarding years of day-to-day engagement towards improving
environmental management. We know that many other ports are meeting the
requirements and are eligible for PERS certification. We hope that they will
apply for the certificate. It must be seen as a quality mark for environmental
sustainability. Both consumers and shippers are increasingly paying attention
to a sustainable supply chain. These certificates can enhance the transparency
and help them making the right choices”, says Secretary General of ESPO,
Isabelle Ryckbost.
“The steady increase of the ports
certified with the PERS standard, is remarkable and indicates the readiness of
ports to address the environmental challenges, be transparent in communicating
their environmental policy, build an even closer relationship with port cities’
communities and enhance their market reputation. We encourage all ports to join
EcoPorts and obtain the PERS standard” says the EcoPorts coordinator, Sotiris
Raptis.
One third of the 93 EcoPorts members
have now acquired PERS, which is the only port specific environmental
management standard. Compliance with the PERS standard is independently
assessed by Lloyd’s Register and the certificate has a validity of 2 years.
PERS is revised after the 2-year period to make sure that the port continues to
meet the requirements.
The EcoPorts tools are available to
ports and terminals outside Europe through the ECO Sustainable Logistic Chain
Foundation (ECOSLC)
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