The not-for-profit GVHA (Greater Victoria Harbour Authority) achieved a ranking of 3.7 out of 5 by Green Marine, which is an increase over their previous 2018 score of 3.3 and places the deep-water port among North America's most environmentally sustainable ports.
Green Marine certification results are compiled on a scale of 1 to 5. One illustrates the monitoring of regulations, and 5 - excellence and leadership. 2.8 was the average score for participating ports across the applicable areas during the 2019 reporting year. Greater Victoria Harbour Authority, in partnership with terminal manager Western Stevedoring, scored 3.7, thus building on its 2018 score of 3.3 and placing it in a leadership position among North American ports.
The score's increase from 2018 to 2019 is largely due to increased scoring in the category ‘Environmental Leadership’, which rose from 3 to 5. Gains were made in the newly introduced category ‘Underwater Noise’, with the efforts of the organization in working with Southern Resident Killer Whale Recovery Communications Committee and Ocean Networks Canada to understand the local impacts as well as help to implement solutions around the poorly understood pollution source.
Greater Victoria Harbour Authority performed ahead of North America's port averages across all categories and achieved excellence in ‘Environmental Leadership’ and ‘Community Impacts’. The year-over-year improvement is a requirement for the organizations in order to recertify, which the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority has done since joining the program back in 2011. The partnership and engagement of GVHA with other Green Marine and environmentally focused organizations have facilitated a shift to environmental practices being rooted in operations.
The latest project of GVHA is the feasibility study and business case for shore power at Victoria Cruise Terminal at The Breakwater District. The results are expected by fall 2020.
Green Marine is a premier environmental certification program for the maritime industry in North America. The voluntary program helps port managers surpass regulatory requirements and become leaders in managing the port operation’s environmental impacts.