Sustainability

Port Otago's principal objective is to operate as a successful and sustainable business that delivers value to our shareholders in the form of both financial and non-financial returns on investment.
Since 2019/20, we have measured our sustainability performance using the International Integrated Reporting Council's integrated reporting framework, which is aligned with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In the third quarter of each year, our progress is published in the company's annual report.

Carbon footprint

Port Otago achieved Toitū Carbonreduce certification in May 2021. Our footprint reduced by 705 tonnes (11 per cent) during the year, but was a function of lower activity, due to fewer vessel calls (mainly cruise) and less capital dredging (i.e. reduced diesel use). However, we were also proactive and rolled out carbon reduction projects, including replacing our light vehicle fleet with electric vehicles and introducing LED lighting across the port.

View a summary copy of our Toitū Carbonreduce certification (2019/20)

Port Noise Liaison Committee

The Port Noise Liaison Committee provides a forum to monitor the Port’s performance against The Port Noise Management Plan. More information can be found on the Port Noise page.

Port invests in EVs

Port Otago spent $500,000 replacing and upgrading its light vehicle fleet to electric during 2020 and 2021. Twelve electric vehicles (EVs) are now in full operation around the business – as well as two hybrids, specifically for long-distance travel. Click here to read more.

Being proactive about noise

Port Otago joined forces with Microsoft to develop an accurate automated noise monitoring and classification programme. Click here to read more.

Flagstaff Hill Projects

Flagstaff Hill Safety Project

The Flagstaff Hill safety project was about protecting the public from falling rocks. It involved building a $500,000 engineered "catch fence" along the northern base of Flagstaff Hill, opposite the logging yard entrance. The fence is about 100m long and 4m high and capable of catching rocks up to 1m in diameter. Native bush is being planted over summer 2021/22.

Hill stabilisation project complete

After 20 years of continual problems, Flagstaff Hill is finally stable and Beach Street has been returned to its original position.

The $3 million project finished on time, within budget and without any public complaints.

The 55m hill sits adjacent to Port Otago operations to the south-east and has a long history of slipping. A series of terraces were formed on the hill's problematic east and north-east faces and approximately 47,735m3 of earth – that's 3731 truck and trailer units – were removed over four months.

At the project's conclusion, the road, rail and footpath were realigned to improve safety and in readiness for future operational requirements at the port.

Electronics recycling

As part of our sustainability programme, we work with Digital Wings – a not-for-profit trust that refurbishes and redistributes retired computers and printers to community organisations to enhance educational and employment opportunities. If not disposed of properly, old electronic devices can release toxic materials into the environment. According to the World Economic Forum, e-waste is the fastest-growing waste stream in the world.

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