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International Container Terminal Services Inc has launched its Climate Change Action Initiative
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The move boosts the company’s efforts to decarbonize and contribute to measures addressing global warming
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The initiative will draw up a comprehensive roadmap for ICTSI to align its business strategy with the goals of the UN Paris Agreement
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The roadmap’s group-wide decarbonization targets will cover all terminals, with Scope 1 or direct emissions and Scope 2 or indirect emissions from generation of purchased power
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ICTSI will announce a decarbonization target for Scope 1 and 2 by the end of 2023
International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI) launched its Climate Change Action Initiative as part of efforts to decarbonize and contribute to global efforts in addressing climate change.
Recognizing the urgent need to combat climate change and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, the initiative will develop a comprehensive roadmap for ICTSI to align its business strategy with the goals of the United Nations Paris Agreement.
The Paris Agreement is a legally binding international treaty on climate change adopted by 196 parties at the UN Climate Change Conference on December 12, 2015. It entered into force on November 4, 2016.
The ICTSI roadmap will set decarbonization targets for the entire group to include all terminals, covering Scope 1 or direct emissions and Scope 2 or indirect emissions from generation of purchased electricity. ICTSI will announce a decarbonization target for Scope 1 and 2 by the end of 2023.
Further, ICTSI is working towards accounting for the full GHG emissions footprint of the entire value chain including Scope 3 emissions. An inventory is expected to be established by 2025, followed by a review of relevant targets.
“Through the launch of our Climate Change Action Initiative, we are demonstrating our commitment to a sustainable future,” Christian R. Gonzalez, ICTSI executive vice president, compliance officer and chief sustainability officer, said in a statement.
“By decarbonizing our operations and addressing the challenges of climate change, ICTSI aims to contribute significantly to the global efforts towards a greener and more resilient world. We believe that by embracing innovative solutions and fostering collaboration, we can create a positive impact on both the environment and our industry. Together, we can build a future that is both economically prosperous and environmentally responsible.”
To ensure a credible decarbonization strategy, ICTSI said it has appointed an internal team led by Nathan Clarke, vice president and head of Global Engineering – Infrastructure and Project Delivery.
Additionally, ICTSI is engaging the services of Jacobs Solutions Inc., a leading international consulting firm, to provide an accurate view of emissions across ICTSI terminals and develop a tangible roadmap for emission reductions.
ICTSI said the collaboration will establish a GHG emissions baseline, develop plans for reducing GHG emissions, set targets and create a framework to monitor performance.
ICTSI said it is fully committed to operating its terminals in an environmentally responsible and sustainable manner.
The company is actively implementing efforts to maximize energy and resource efficiency, reduce carbon intensity, and lower emissions. These efforts include aligning productivity and service-efficiency key performance indicators with climate change management, establishing progressive targets for continuous improvement, incorporating environmental factors in the procurement process, and exploring options for low-emission technology and increased usage of renewable energy sources.
ICTSI said its commitment to sustainability is further exemplified by three of its terminals in the Americas – Contecon Guayaquil in Ecuador, Contecon Manzanillo in Mexico, and Rio Brasil Terminal in Brazil – receiving carbon neutral certifications. The port operator said these achievements underscore its proactive measures to minimize the impact of port operations on hinterland communities.
“As a responsible global industry leader, ICTSI is taking a holistic approach to combat climate change and proactively mitigate its environmental impact. The Climate Change Action Initiative serves as a catalyst for transformative action, enabling ICTSI to play a pivotal role in the transition to a low-carbon economy,” Gonzales said.
