POV_weCan_CMYKThe Port of Vancouver USA is proud of its reputation as a leader in modeling sustainable practices in all aspects of its work. Each employee at the port takes this to heart by participating in the port’s “We Can!” program, which frames the port’s approach to sustainability, details sustainable efforts undertaken across departments, and discusses progress made toward goals.

This is the sixth year the port has engaged in formal sustainability efforts. We view sustainability in terms of people (social equity goals), planet (environmental goals), and profit (economic goals). Overall, practicing sustainability makes good business sense. It helps improve operational efficiencies and reduce costs; increases profitability and revenue; helps a business like the port meet or beat regulatory requirements; and can help us recruit and retain employees.

In 2014, a cross-departmental team of port staff set six long-term “We Can!” goals and identified 57 year-end targets to support those goals. Goals include diversifying revenue, fostering productive stakeholder relationships, promoting pollution prevention and encouraging thoughtful resource management.

We’re pleased to report that we’ve made great progress, including:

• Completing critical elements of the West Vancouver Freight Access project. The project’s benefits include improved safety and a 40 percent reduction in rail congestion.

• Creating a new sales and marketing department to diversify market sectors and better promote the port and Vancouver worldwide.

• Delivering Centennial Industrial Park as a “ready-to-build” light industrial development.

• Encouraging profitability and success of port tenants through promotion of sustainable business practices.

• Increasing the number of individuals who receive information about the port in an electronic form.

• Continuing to provide opportunities for port employees to engage in community volunteerism. Examples include the Junior Achievement and Lunch Buddy programs.

• Performing a scheduling and staffing analysis for the security department to track and provide adequate staffing levels and lower overtime.

• Implementing stormwater strategy to enhance treatment at Terminal 4 stormwater pond. For example, new floating treatment wetlands were installed in the Terminal 4 pond.

• Reducing energy use by upgrading to energy efficient lighting systems, including LED or energy-efficient fluorescent with occupancy sensors.

• Responsibly managing natural resource areas on port property by monitoring wildlife, and continuing our invasive weed eradication program.

Staff is currently working on meeting 2015 targets with an understanding that every employee plays a role in integrating sustainable practices into their work. More information, including the current “We Can!” report, can be found at www.portvanusa.com/about/sustainability.