Positive Impact Port was launched in 2015 after the Port of Barcelona realized that it could not fully answer a key stakeholder question: “How sustainable is the Port Community?”. While the Port Authority held some data, it became clear that many relevant indicators could only be built by engaging directly with companies across the port ecosystem. This insight led to the creation of a Sustainability Observatory, based on voluntary participation and designed to reflect stakeholder expectations through shared metrics.
Initially called the Sectoral Sustainability Plan, the initiative was designed to identify relevant ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) indicators from a bottom-up perspective. It now includes 149 participating organizations—from terminal operators and shipping lines to training centers and NGOs—who provide data annually through a common framework. Led by the Barcelona Port Authority, Positive Impact Port promotes a culture of sustainability built on three pillars: environmental commitment, social inclusion, and ethical governance. It empowers companies to commit voluntarily to concrete actions aligned with the SDGs, fostering transparency and long-term improvement.
What makes this initiative unique is that it provides a comprehensive picture of how sustainable a Port Community is—based on consistent data gathered from the adhered organizations. This collective response turns stakeholder expectations into measurable insight. Over time, the initiative has developed a strategic plan and a system to track progress. It promotes best practices, recognizes sustainability initiatives, and shares findings to inspire wider adoption. Positive Impact Port is a living process of learning and mobilization—a practical model for purpose-driven, community-based sustainability.