Vancouver Port Cuts Air Pollutant Emissions, Report Finds

The Port of Vancouver’s air pollutant emissions have decreased significantly since 2010 despite growth in trade through the port, the third Port Emissions Inventory Report indicates. 

As explained, this has been a result of stronger regulation and investment in technology.

Greenhouse gas emissions per ton of cargo have also decreased, but total emissions have increased and are forecast to continue increasing with growth in trade through the port.

Specifically, air pollutants from marine activities have dropped by 36 percent, while greenhouse gas emissions from marine activities rose by 10 percent, according to data provided in the report.

The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority’s inventory report, which is completed every five years, estimates air emissions from marine, rail, on-road, non-road and administrative activities associated with the port.

In addition to capturing detailed estimates of emissions by type in 2015, the report provides an emissions backcast and forecast, which helps to track how emissions have changed and are expected to change in the future.

The report also includes an overview of the port authority’s initiatives to reduce emissions and encourage conservation at the Port of Vancouver.

“Sustainability has always been a part of our federal mandate, and a consistent theme driving us to create a better port,” Duncan Wilson, vice president of corporate social responsibility at the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, commented. 

“We are committed to protecting air quality and minimizing greenhouse gas emissions, and we have undertaken a number of initiatives to support that goal,” he added.

“Climate change is an important issue for the port and transportation industry, as it is for Canada…We … will continue to work closely with government, industry and port users to address greenhouse gas emissions,” Wilson concluded.