sustainability

SHOREHAM PORT CELEBRATES ECOPORT STATUS FOR SIXTH YEAR

Shoreham Port has been re-certified as an EcoPort this month, six years after its initial Port Environmental Review System (PERS) certification was awarded in 2013. Presented by the European Sea Ports Organisation (ESPO) the PERS accreditation means that Shoreham Port continues to be a member of the EcoPorts network, the main environmental initiative of the European port sector. Shoreham Port is one of only two PERS accredited ports in the UK, and one of twelve UK ports who hold EcoPort status.

The aim of EcoPorts is to increase awareness about environmental challenges, deliver compliance with legislation and to demonstrate a high standard of environmental management. Members of the EcoPorts network are encouraged to share environmental knowledge and be proactive in their efforts to protect and maintain the environment.

Shoreham Port is committed to preventing negative impacts on the environment while maximising the positive social, environmental and economic opportunities of a thriving Port. It continually assesses its environmental impact to develop strategies that will improve the Port’s carbon footprint, appointing Tony Parker, the first Director of Infrastructure & Climate Change at a UK port in January. The Port’s programme of green initiatives include a new LED lighting programme, increased water quality monitoring, a staff cycle-to-work scheme, and going paperless – including the introduction of a new quarterly digital PORTlife newsletter.

Paul Johnson, Director of Compliance commented “A lot of hard work goes into maintaining and continually improving our environmental credentials year on year. This ensures that we meet the very high standards set by the European Sea Ports Organisation ‘EcoPort’ scheme and can be awarded with the prestigious EcoPort status for a third time.

“Everyone at Shoreham Port has their part to play when it comes to improving the wonderful environment within in which we work. I am immensely proud of the Shoreham Port EcoPort title as it demonstrates our commitment to not only reducing our carbon footprint and tapping into free and alternative renewable energy sources, but ensures that our bio diverse environment is sustainable for the years ahead and that all future generations will continue to enjoy a fantastic experience when visiting, working, or passing through Shoreham Port.”

If you’d like to find out more about Shoreham Port’s plans for the future, don’t miss the Annual Public & Stakeholder’s Meeting on Tuesday 21st May at the Barn Theatre in Southwick. For full details please visit www.shoreham-port.co.uk/publicmeeting.

*Event* Helping food businesses to ditch pointless plastic

Helping food businesses to ditch pointless plastic

Please note, this event is for food-serving businesses (restaurants, cafes, takeaways, hotels, schools, workplaces, venues, events, festivals), waste experts and sustainability managers. We know there is a lot of interest around plastics generally but tickets are limited so we ask that food businesses have access to the tickets first. Thank you!

Brighton & Hove Food Partnership and Brighton & Hove City Council are running this event to bring together food-serving businesses from across Brighton, Hove and beyond to address the pressing issue of reducing single-use plastics (SUPs). This will be a place for providing useful information and inspiration for businesses. We would like all businesses to feel welcome, from those that are just starting out to those that are plastic-free. There isn't a one-size-fits-all solution for all types of business or event, but there are a few key things that most businesses can do to make a significant difference by following the waste mantra: Remove and Reduce, Promote Reuse, and Recycle.

We have two excellent guest speakers and then you'll have the opportunity to hear from five businesses about their journey in reducing plastic. There will be lots of opportunity for discussions and networking with other businesses and plastics experts. Plus, we will have a number of stalls where you can meet the suppliers, hear about local environmental campaigns and discover more about waste collections and composting.

Guest speaker: Claire Potter

We are excited to present Claire Potter, award-winning sustainable and circular economy designer with a passion and expertise around ocean plastics. Claire will help set the scene, share why it’s important to be taking action and talk us through what is being done already to tackle this important issue, including the campaign that she founded, Plastic Free Pledge.

Guest speaker: Cat Fletcher

Cat is a local hero and resource goddess. Founder of Freegle (with 2.6 million members), Reuse Manager for Brighton & Hove City Council and the driving force behind the award-winning Waste House and the City Reuse Depot. Cat can clear up any confusions over compostable vs biodegradable, address whether there is any such thing as the ‘best plastic’ and tackle what you should be doing with that Vegware you’ve invested in.

Discussion groups will focus on five key areas:

1) Deposit Return Schemes (return, recycle, reuse)

2) Promoting Bring Your Own (cup, lunchbox, water bottle, bag)

3) Disposables (cups, cutlery, straws, sachets, stirrers, containers)

4) Packaging and bags

5) Group buying across city or region (reducing cost of buying ethical disposables)

This event is open to all food serving businesses: restaurants, cafes, takeaways, hotels, venues, workplaces, schools, hospitals, colleges, universities and retailers. Plus, event organisers for big outdoor events/festivals, Procurement Officers, Facilities Managers, Sustainability / Environmental Managers and waste experts.

Places will fill up fast and are limited, so please book on today.

Thank you to Sodexo Prestige at Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club for hosting this event .

To book a place, click here.