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Just-released emissions inventory report finds significant decrease in Port of Vancouver air pollutant emissions since 2010

December 12, 2017

The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority has released its third Port Emissions Inventory Report, which indicates air pollutant emissions have decreased significantly since 2010, despite an increase in trade through the port – a result of stronger regulation and investment in technology.

The port authority completes an air emission inventory for the Port of Vancouver every five years, at the same time as regional and national inventories carried out by Metro Vancouver and Environment and Climate Change Canada.

The port authority’s inventory report estimates air emissions from marine, rail, on-road, non-road and administrative activities associated with the Port of Vancouver. It complements regional and national emission inventories that capture other sources, such as commuter vehicles, buildings, and commercial activity, to provide a complete picture of emissions in the Lower Mainland.

In addition to capturing detailed estimates of emissions by type in 2015, the report provides an emissions backcast and forecast, which helps to track how emissions have changed and are expected to change in the future.

The report also includes an overview of the port authority’s initiatives to reduce emissions and encourage conservation at the Port of Vancouver.

“Sustainability has always been a part of our federal mandate, and a consistent theme driving us to create a better port,” said Duncan Wilson, vice president of corporate social responsibility at the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority. “We are committed to protecting air quality and minimizing greenhouse gas emissions, and we have undertaken a number of initiatives to support that goal.”

The inventory results reaffirm the significant progress that has been made toward reducing air pollutant emissions, though total greenhouse gas emissions are forecast to continue to increase with growth in trade.

“Climate change is an important issue for the port and transportation industry, as it is for Canada,” continued Wilson. “As stewards of Canada’s largest port, we recognize the leadership role we must play in facilitating emission reductions, and will continue to work closely with government, industry and port users to address greenhouse gas emissions.”

The report represents nearly two years of engagement, data collection, analysis and modelling.

Additional information:

About Vancouver Fraser Port Authority

The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority is responsible for the stewardship of the federal port lands in and around Vancouver, British Columbia. It is accountable to the federal minister of transport and operates pursuant to the Canada Marine Act. The Port of Vancouver is Canada’s largest, and the third largest in North America by tonnes of cargo, facilitating trade between Canada and more than 170 world economies. Located in a naturally beautiful setting on Canada’s west coast, the port authority and port terminals and tenants are responsible for the efficient and reliable movement of goods and passengers, integrating environmental, social and economic sustainability initiatives into all areas of port operations. Enabling the trade of approximately $200 billion in goods, port activities sustain 115,300 jobs, $7 billion in wages, and $11.9 billion in GDP across Canada.

Media contact:

Emily Hamer
Manager, Strategic Communications
[email protected]
604.665.9512

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