South Asia Gateway Terminals, (SAGT) in the Port of Colombo, published its fourth consecutive sustainability report for the period 2022/23 this week showing a 35% reduction in Scope 1 carbon footprint.
The report outlines the measures taken by the Company to remain true to its sustainability commitment and presents related performance monitoring for the period. Despite the challenges faced by the economic downturn and political unrest in the country, SAGT continued operations with no interruptions in service to its customers and enhanced its business processes through strategic investments for sustainable growth.
During the reporting period SAGT achieved a 25% reduction in its overall carbon footprint resulting in the reduction of 5,301 Metric Tonnes of carbon emissions from being released into the environment. This performance was achieved primarily through reduction of its scope 1 carbon emissions. Scope 1 carbon emission reductions was through investments and initiatives such as the conversion of rubber tyred gantries form diesel to hybrid electric-diesel power and then prioritising the utilization of hybrid RTG’s for operations.
Consequently, SAGT’s scope 1 carbon footprint reduced by 35% and scope 2 carbon footprint recorded a decrease of 9% for the reporting period, mainly attributable to the 12% reduction in ship-to-shore crane electricity consumption.
In the period under review, SAGT increased its commitments towards its environmental stewardship by entering into a partnership with Greens at Hydrogen (Pvt) Ltd to formulate a strategic plan to accelerate electrification and decarbonisation at the Port of Colombo, through a green-hydrogen pilot project.
SAGT’s Chief Executive Officer, Romesh David stated “SAGT is pioneering sustainable terminal operations within the Port of Colombo by investing and optimising energy efficient infrastructure, integrating technology and improving business processes.”
SAGT also partially funded the, re-starting the stalled national “Thriposha’ nutrition programme of the Ministry of Health through a donation of milk powder to the value of Rs. 180 million.