schemes) could be further adapted to the current challenges and encouraged. While
streamlining between ports should be encouraged, the introduction, modalities of
application and the level of potential environmental charges must remain a decision
for each port managing body, taking into account the local situation and local
environmental concerns and in accordance with the port’s own roadmap.
11.7.2 EcoPorts Initiative and EcoPortsinSights
Environmental Report
EcoPorts constitutes the main environmental initiative of the European port sector
initiated in 1997 that has been fully integrated into the European Sea Ports Organisation (ESPO) since 2011. The founding principle of EcoPorts is to create a level
playing field on environment through cooperation and sharing of knowledge
between ports. EcoPorts provides two well-established tools to its members: the
Self Diagnosis Method (SDM) and the Port Environmental Review System (PERS,
certificate assessed by Lloyds register). The SDM procedure takes place in three
steps as follows:
• SDM checklist: The SDM is a well-established and widely adopted, time- and
cost-efficient methodology for identifying environmental risk and establishing
priorities for action and compliance. Aggregated and anonymised data provided
by EcoPorts members are used to build and update the sector’s benchmark of
performance in environmental management. The SDM is a concise checklist
against which port managers can self-assess the environmental management
programme of the port in relation to the performance of both the sector and
international standards. The SDM checklist in particular addresses the fields of
environmental policy –placing the focus on activities, aspects, objectives and
targets – management organisation and personnel, environmental training, communication, operational management, emergency planning, monitoring, auditing
and review. Individual port responses are treated confidentially.
• SDM Comparison: comparison of the port’s SDM score with the European
average.
• SDM Review: receive expert’s advice and personalised recommendations.
Developed by ports themselves, the Port Environmental Review System (PERS)
has firmly established its reputation as the only port sector-specific environmental
management standard. The Port Environmental Review System (PERS) does not
only incorporate the main general requirements of recognised environmental management standards (e.g. ISO 14001) but also takes into account the specificities of
ports. PERS builds upon the policy recommendations of ESPO, while its implementation is independently reviewed by Lloyd’s Register. Both of the aforementioned
tools fit ports of different sizes and at different stages in the development of their
environmental priorities.
11 New Challenges and Opportunities for Sustainable Ports: The Deep Demonstration. . . 185
streamlining between ports should be encouraged, the introduction, modalities of
application and the level of potential environmental charges must remain a decision
for each port managing body, taking into account the local situation and local
environmental concerns and in accordance with the port’s own roadmap.
11.7.2 EcoPorts Initiative and EcoPortsinSights
Environmental Report
EcoPorts constitutes the main environmental initiative of the European port sector
initiated in 1997 that has been fully integrated into the European Sea Ports Organisation (ESPO) since 2011. The founding principle of EcoPorts is to create a level
playing field on environment through cooperation and sharing of knowledge
between ports. EcoPorts provides two well-established tools to its members: the
Self Diagnosis Method (SDM) and the Port Environmental Review System (PERS,
certificate assessed by Lloyds register). The SDM procedure takes place in three
steps as follows:
• SDM checklist: The SDM is a well-established and widely adopted, time- and
cost-efficient methodology for identifying environmental risk and establishing
priorities for action and compliance. Aggregated and anonymised data provided
by EcoPorts members are used to build and update the sector’s benchmark of
performance in environmental management. The SDM is a concise checklist
against which port managers can self-assess the environmental management
programme of the port in relation to the performance of both the sector and
international standards. The SDM checklist in particular addresses the fields of
environmental policy –placing the focus on activities, aspects, objectives and
targets – management organisation and personnel, environmental training, communication, operational management, emergency planning, monitoring, auditing
and review. Individual port responses are treated confidentially.
• SDM Comparison: comparison of the port’s SDM score with the European
average.
• SDM Review: receive expert’s advice and personalised recommendations.
Developed by ports themselves, the Port Environmental Review System (PERS)
has firmly established its reputation as the only port sector-specific environmental
management standard. The Port Environmental Review System (PERS) does not
only incorporate the main general requirements of recognised environmental management standards (e.g. ISO 14001) but also takes into account the specificities of
ports. PERS builds upon the policy recommendations of ESPO, while its implementation is independently reviewed by Lloyd’s Register. Both of the aforementioned
tools fit ports of different sizes and at different stages in the development of their
environmental priorities.
11 New Challenges and Opportunities for Sustainable Ports: The Deep Demonstration. . . 185