NSW Ports has achieved net zero Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions, marking a major sustainability milestone for the state’s freight and logistics sector.
The achievement, independently verified and detailed in the organisation’s FY25 Sustainability Report, follows a three-year decarbonisation program across its operations at Port Botany, Port Kembla and the Enfield Intermodal Logistics Centre.
Renewable energy powering every port
CEO Marika Calfas says the result demonstrates what can be achieved through practical measures and industry-wide commitment.
“The breadth of initiatives we have implemented in the past three years shows that a variety of measures can drive reductions,” Calfas says. “Lighting upgrades and HVAC optimisation alone cut our electricity usage by 16% at Port Botany, 10% at Port Kembla and 45% at Enfield.”
Since 2022, NSW Ports has sourced 100% of its electricity from renewable energy through two Power Purchase Agreements with Australian wind farms.
The organisation has also installed two large-scale solar systems at Enfield, which are registered with the Clean Energy Regulator to generate Large-Scale Generation Certificates (LGCs), thereby offsetting the grid electricity used by tenants.
Driving decarbonisation through technology
Energy efficiency measures across NSW Ports’ directly managed sites have included LED lighting upgrades, automated systems and HVAC optimisation.
The organisation also transitioned nearly all internal combustion engine utility vehicles to electric or hybrid models, supported by the rollout of electric vehicle charging infrastructure at all major sites.
A small number of residual emissions, just 1.5% of its FY21 baseline, were offset using Australian Carbon Credit Units from projects that support Indigenous land management and biodiversity.
Calfas says the next step is working with tenants and port users to reduce Scope 3 emissions. “While the scale of our Scope 1 and 2 emissions is modest, it’s an important step forward as we continue to engage with tenants and port users on their reduction plans,” she says.
Building sustainable supply chains
The FY25 Sustainability Report also highlights NSW Ports’ growing role in promoting sustainable trade and supply chain resilience.
Key initiatives include a new Supplier Code of Conduct, the expansion of on-dock rail capacity, and continued investment in community and environmental programs, such as seagrass restoration and planning for Port Kembla’s offshore wind precinct.