TasPorts planning for net zero carbon by 2040

TasPorts is excited to have developed its own decarbonisation strategy that will see the company be net zero carbon by 2040.

While it finalises plans to achieve this long-term target, it has set a 10 per cent reduction target in scope 1 (fuel use – which is the largest emission source at more than 80 per cent) and scope 2 (hydro-electricity) emissions by 2025 and a 40 per cent reduction in emissions by 2030.

The decision is in line with TasPorts’ Sustainability Strategy that says it will “…take clear and decisive action in relation to climate change…”, with the goal to “…establish a realistic carbon emissions target…”

TasPorts’ emissions have generally increased over the past four years in proportion to revenue –future carbon emissions, without any intervention on TasPorts’ part, would therefore be expected to increase in line with any projected growth in revenue.

The goal for the emissions reduction plan would be to maintain revenue growth while decreasing carbon emissions. It is possible that emission reductions may lead directly to increased revenue growth.

The majority of TasPorts’ carbon emissions are from heavy vehicles and marine fleet fuel use.

A number of short-term initiatives have been identified for implementation between now and 2025 to achieve the 10 per cent emission reduction, including:

• Start to transition the light vehicle fleet to electric vehicles.
• Undertake energy audits and seek opportunities for fuel and electricity reductions of landside and marine operations.
• Incorporating emission costs into TasPorts decision-making and procurement decisions
• Fitting of emissions reduction infrastructure, including wind and solar where practical
• Review the existing port development/asset management design guidelines to ensure appropriate minimum standards are established.
• Select an appropriate carbon accounting and reporting system.
• Enable Bass Island Line Service use of shore power while berthed in Devonport.
• Identify areas for revegetation on TasPorts-owned land.
• Support the development and implementation of renewable energy and new alternative fuel technologies.

While medium-term initiatives (2025 to 2030) are more uncertain and will depend on a number of factors (including the outcomes of the port services regulatory review, evolving and new technologies and progress in global shipping and marine services), at this stage, they include:

• Continue to transition the light vehicle fleet to electric vehicles.
• Electrification of heavy vehicles.
• Retrofitting and/or adoption of alternative fuels in vehicles and vessels.
• Purchase of new, more efficient, lower emission and alternative fuel vehicles and vessels.
• Facilitating emission reductions in the broader port supply chain and the purchase of local carbon offsets