The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority has released its third Port Emissions Inventory Report, which indicates air pollutant emissions have decreased significantly since 2010, despite an increase in trade through the port – a result of stronger regulation and investment in technology.
The port authority completes an air emission inventory for the Port of Vancouver every five years, at the same time as regional and national inventories carried out by Metro Vancouver and Environment and Climate Change Canada.
The port authority’s inventory report estimates air emissions from marine, rail, on-road, non-road and administrative activities associated with the Port of Vancouver. It complements regional and national emission inventories that capture other sources, such as commuter vehicles, buildings, and commercial activity, to provide a complete picture of emissions in the Lower Mainland.
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,” said Duncan Wilson, vice president of corporate social responsibility at the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority. “We are committed to protecting air quality and minimizing greenhouse gas emissions, and we have undertaken a number of initiatives to support that goal.”
The inventory results reaffirm the significant progress that has been made toward reducing air pollutant emissions, though total greenhouse gas emissions are forecast to continue to increase with growth in trade.
“Climate change is an important issue for the port and transportation industry, as it is for Canada,” continued Wilson. “As stewards of Canada’s largest port, we recognize the leadership role we must play in facilitating emission reductions, and will continue to work closely with government, industry and port users to address greenhouse gas emissions.”
The report represents nearly two years of engagement, data collection, analysis and modelling.
Source: Port of Vancouver