Ports Australia’s Climate Change and Decarbonisation sub-committee identified an important understanding gap within Australia’s port sector: the absence of national, port-specific guidance on GHG emissions inventories. Recognising the need for a unified approach, Ports Australia engaged respected international consultants Worley, specialists in sustainable solutions, to work with Ports Australia, its members and other relevant supply chain partners to develop clear and explicit GHG emissions guidance for Australia’s ports based on global best practices and expert insight.
The primary goal was to provide Australian ports with a comprehensive guide to understand the components of their scope 1, 2 and 3 GHG emissions inventories – clarifying which emissions are within their direct control and which they can influence, ultimately better supporting their and their stakeholders transition to net-zero.
Australia is not alone in pursuing port collaboration on this critical environmental challenge. The GHG Inventory Guidance for Ports is a world-class resource. Although designed for Australian ports and stakeholders, including tenants and service operators, it holds substantial relevance for global ports. This initiative aligns with the United Nations SDGs 11, 13 and 17.
Upon its release, the report garnered national recognition and media attention, reinforcing the importance of a national approach to GHG inventories in port operations. The guidance has fostered record collaboration among ports, sparking new conversations across sectors on national, coordinated efforts on the net-zero journey. Beyond ports, the initiative resonated with broader audiences, with Ports Australia presenting this work to the General Stevedoring Council, government and regulatory bodies, and fellow IAPH members.
The Guidance paves the way for future improvements that foster a culture of continuous collaboration related to decarbonisation. As Australia advances towards a net-zero economy, decarbonising port operations will enhance both environmental and economic resilience, ensuring the ongoing competitiveness of Australian ports in a green-focused global market.