Port is nation’s greenest
IT MAY not be a particularly catchy title, but the award of the BS EN ISO 14001:2004 environmental standard to Lerwick Port Authority has put the harbour board in a jubilant mood.
The obscure name is an internationally recognised certificate for strong environmental credentials. No other port authority in Scotland has so far received the award, which has been achieved after 18 months of improvements to environmental practices.
It means Lerwick is now capable of decommissioning oil and gas installations, upholding the same strict environmental standards demanded by the oil industry.
LPA’s chief executive Sandra Laurenson said she was delighted the authority had gained such high recognition.
“Given our commitment to the environment in our strategy and business plan, and to continuous improvement, we are all delighted to have attained certification – particularly at the first attempt and, we believe, as the first in the Scottish ports industry. Our staff are to be congratulated on their successful efforts.”
Much of that effort was carried out by the port’s systems compliance manager Gary Cooper, who has spent the last year and a half leading the development of documents and practices that will help the authority stay green in the future.
“Certification is a very important requirement of working in today’s industries,” he said.
“Our customers – especially those in offshore oil industry – are increasingly requesting confirmation that the port’s environmental status matches the high standards in their own operations.”
The certificate came after an intense audit of the authority by the British Standards Institute.
Business development director for BSI Andrew Morris said the award would do much to help LPA improve its business.
“ISO 14001 focuses the organisation on being proactive in identifying environmental aspects and impacts and driving down risks.
“In doing so, an organisation can benefit from improved operational effectiveness, leading to reduced costs and improved profits.”
Presenting the award to Mr Cooper was area director for Highlands and Islands Enterprise Shetland, Dr Ann Black.
