Forth Ports has outlined its commitment and the actions it is taking to achieve a net zero carbon operation by 2042.
Scotland’s biggest port operator also announced an interim target of achieving carbon neutral emissions (Scope 1 and 2) by 2032, while creating an infrastructure platform to help accelerate the UK’s path to a decarbonised economy.
To achieve this across the group’s eight ports, the team is overhauling and electrifying equipment and machinery, switching to low carbon fuels, increasing on-site renewable energy generation and promoting low carbon delivery alternatives such as rail and barge.
his is complemented by significant investment in new port infrastructure to support the offshore wind revolution taking place in the North Sea.
Forth Ports is part of the Thames Freeport and Forth Green Freeport partnerships, which are seeking to accelerate the drive to net zero emissions across the country.
All eight ports use sustainable sources of electricity, while all new warehouses will have solar roof panels installed as standard, such as the recently built 100,000 square foot facility at the Port of Grangemouth freight hub. A programme of rolling out new LED lighting is under way to further reduce power use across all port estates.
For mobile equipment and marine fleet, the strategy is to blend and utilise alternative fuels. Initially this involves the widespread use of sustainably sourced hydrogenated vegetable oil and, as technology develops, other methods of low emission propulsion. An ongoing programme also exists to introduce more fuel-efficient equipment and marine fleet across the asset base.
The group has overhauled its rail offering by investing heavily in its rail terminal at Grangemouth, alongside progressing the reinstatement of a rail connection to Rosyth as part of the Forth Green Freeport.
It has also invested in port infrastructure to support the roll-out of ScotWind at Dundee and Leith, alongside the recent installation of shore-side power at Leith.
Forth Ports is working with its supply chain to drive down the group’s Scope 3 emissions. These mainly stem from the use of steel and aggregate when constructing infrastructure or purchasing mobile port equipment and marine vessels.
The business is engaging with suppliers to find fit-for-purpose, low carbon emission alternatives. For example, the construction of Dundee’s renewables quay - DunEco Quay - used steel pipes fabricated from reused or recycled materials. The port also created a paved storage area by reusing building and road materials from the onsite works, which avoided adding to landfill and reduced, or eliminated, road delivery miles.
Charles Hammond, group chief executive of Forth Ports, said: “I am pleased to lay out our plans for our operations to be carbon neutral by 2032 and to achieve net zero by 2042.
“We have made significant progress in supporting the offshore wind sector through our initial £150m investment programme, with plans to invest significantly more as this market develops, including the infrastructure required for floating offshore wind as installations go into ever deeper seas.
“We are a supporter and champion of the UK and Scottish Governments’ clean maritime, net zero and green energy strategies and we continue to collaborate with our peers, customers and suppliers to deliver innovative and sustainable solutions as we transition to a net zero economy.”
Transport Secretary Mark Harper said: “Achieving net zero by 2050 is crucial for the transport sector and this announcement is the sort of bold ambition needed to get there.
“Forth Ports’ actions set a clear example of how the UK’s maritime industry can excel in a carbon-free world, encouraging investment, improving infrastructure and creating more jobs – making way for a cleaner, greener future.”
Màiri McAllan, Secretary for Net Zero and Just Transition, added: “I visited Forth Port’s Grangemouth facility recently, and what was made clear to me was the critical role that ports play in our economy.
“This commitment builds on impressive achievements to date, and I look forward to seeing Forth Ports’ full net zero plan and how, working collectively, we can help deliver our ambitions for a just transition to net zero.”
Meanwhile, independent sustainability firm Positive Planet has completed a study of Aberdeen FC’s carbon footprint as part of a strategy to halve greenhouse gas emissions.
It found that the club generates around 5,655 tonnes of emissions every year, which is equal to the annual energy consumption of around 4,500 households.
In March 2022, the club signed up to the UN Sports for Climate Change Framework and made a commitment to tackling climate change by setting a target of reducing emissions by 50% by 2030; with the overall aim of becoming carbon neutral.
The study also took into consideration fan travel over the course of a season.
Stephen Henry, founding partner of Positive Planet, said: “Professional football has a significant and highly influential role to play in the transition to a low-carbon future.
“With such fierce rivalries in sport, creating an element of competition around sustainability could be key to accelerating the shift.
“But we can’t compare Aberdeen FC directly with other clubs as there is little transparency around carbon footprints - the race for Scotland’s most sustainable club would gain momentum if there was increased transparency.
Henry added: “With its current and future commitments, including its approach to recycling water and waste, sustainable travel for both players and fans, along with the club’s commitment to carbon literacy training for its staff, Aberdeen is leading by example and we hope more clubs will follow in their footsteps in the battle against climate change.“
Alan Burrows, Aberdeen FC's chief executive, said: “Without knowing where you’re starting from, you can’t measure progress, which is why we asked Positive Planet to calculate our carbon footprint.
“Some may not see this as a priority for a football club, but we firmly believe we have a responsibility to tackle climate change and protect our planet for the next generation.
“This is the start of our journey to net zero and we hope our supporters will join us in making a tangible and measurable impact.”
Working with Positive Planet, the club is developing an action plan with short, medium and long-term goals, which will be validated by the Science Based Target Institute.
The plan involves all parts of the club, from stadium and football operations, commercial sales and corporate hospitality, through to fan engagement and travel. All members of staff have now received carbon literacy training.
The first priorities in the plan were to install new LED floodlights, which have already resulted in major emissions and costs savings, while meeting the latest UEFA requirements.
The Dons have also invested in electric vehicles and lawnmowers for the ground staff, and the plan is to introduce an employee salary sacrifice electric vehicle scheme and an enhanced waste management programme for grass, food, equipment, paper, cardboard and plastics.
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