Belfast Harbour has recorded a 71% reduction in its scope 1 and 2 emissions against its baseline year in 2015 as it continues on its quest to become Ireland's first net zero port operator and one of the first net zero ports in Europe.

The figures, revealed in the Environmental Social & Governance (ESG) Report 2024, were made more noteworthy with the revelation the Harbour had doubled business turnover in that period.

The report, which tracks the organisation's sustainability activities against international best practice, highlights the successes achieved during a year of action, accountability and impact, reporting progress in many environmental and social projects.

This emissions reduction included a 35% decrease from 2023, with Belfast Harbour on course to achieve a remarkable 93% reduction by 2027.

Sustained investment in decarbonisation has included the switch to low-emission fuels including Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) and the transition of 30% of the organisation's fleet to electric vehicles. All the electricity, supplied to tenants across Belfast Harbour Estate now comes from REGO certified renewable sources.

Meanwhile, Belfast Harbour continues to provide significant leadership in the ESG space including awarding £315,000 in community grants during 2024, expanding its LGBTQIA+ and neurodiversity forums and extending its oyster nurseries to improve water quality. In addition, the report highlights that Belfast Harbour maintained its Platinum status in the Business in the Community Environmental Benchmarking Survey, and Platinum CORE Accreditation for Responsible Business as well achieving the Silver Diversity Mark.

Commenting on the achievements outlined in the report, Dr Theresa Donaldson, Chair of Belfast Harbour Commissioners said: "This report marks another year of strong progress across ESG and DEI initiatives and the Board is determined that Belfast Harbour continues its transformative leadership in this space.

"As one of only five organisations in Northern Ireland with BITC Responsible Business Platinum standard, we are delighted that our efforts continue to be recognised. Together with the Silver Diversity Mark Award, these achievements underpin our unwavering commitment to doing the right thing for the city, region and all our stakeholders."

Speaking on the launch of the Report, Joe O'Neill, Chief Executive, Belfast Harbour added: "We are proud of the significant progress we continue to make and the strategic investments that are transforming us into a more sustainable business, while doubling our business turnover since our baseline year. For the third year running we have reduced our carbon footprint, expanded our electric vehicle fleet and invested in lower emission plant and machinery."

To read the full report findings, visit www.belfast-harbour.co.uk/community/environment/