THE PORT of Melbourne has scored a perfect 100 points in the 2024 Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark (GRESB) Infrastructure Asset Assessment.
The score gives it the number one ranking among Australian and international ports for the second year running.
The Port maintained its 5-star GRESB rating, and this year scored the maximum possible 100 points, an increase from 99 in 2023.
GRESB is used by more than 850 infrastructure funds and assets around the world and represents more than $1.6 trillion in infrastructure investment.
It is the leading environmental, social, and governance benchmark for infrastructure investments across the world.
Port of Melbourne CEO Saul Cannon said that as a vital freight hub for south-eastern Australia, the port has an opportunity to not only take action in its own operations but to lead and facilitate the decarbonisation of the supply chain.
“We have identified both traditional and collaborative areas where we can add value and are adapting our approach to do so – be it emissions reduction, stakeholder engagement, exploring alternative fuels or financing,” Mr Cannon said.
“The 2024 result reflects Port of Melbourne’s ongoing commitment to sustainability through its policies, strategies, and actions.”
Thos actions included over the past year included the start of a renewable power purchasing agreement (PPA) that is now providing over 60% of the port’s energy needs via renewables. This is a key step towards its 2030 net zero target.
It had also achieved Tier 1 Skilled Workplace status in the Mental Health First Aid Australia Workplace Recognition Program, reflecting a range of workplace mental health training and initiatives.
The port had maintained and improved risk assessments and monitoring for more than 50 environmental, social, and governance focus areas assessed by GRESB annually.
Mr Cannon said that Port of Melbourne is proud to be seen as a leader in sustainability that has met all of GRESB’s best practice benchmarks this year but remains committed to improving to meet ever-increasing expectations and more advanced GRESB requirements each year.
