Vancouver, BC – September 11, 2024 – Clear Seas, a leading a Canadian not-for-profit organization that provides independent fact-based information to enable governments, industry, and the public to make informed decisions on marine shipping issues, today announced the completion of a groundbreaking research project that maps the Canadian maritime industry’s sustainability initiatives against the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). The research, conducted in collaboration with Green Marine and the Association of Canadian Port Authorities (ACPA), provides an overview of how UN SDGs are currently being applied in the maritime industry and identifies those SDGs most relevant to maritime sustainability initiatives. The outcome of this research is to provide companies with a mapping tool that will support future reporting on their diverse sustainability efforts in alignment with the global goals.
The study, titled “Mapping Canadian Maritime Industry Initiatives to UN Sustainable Development Goals,” analyzed existing reports and sustainability metrics to identify how the 17 UN SDGs relate to the maritime sector and are being incorporated into current reporting efforts. Green Marine’s newest performance indicator, Aquatic Ecosystems, which applies to ports, has the greatest correlation with SDGs, with 16 targets from 9 different SDGs that are linked to the various criteria of the indicator. The Air Emissions – Greenhouse Gases performance indicator is the second one with the greatest correlation with a total of 13 targets from 10 different SDGs linked to this indicator.
Key findings from the research include:
- Significant Alignment: The research revealed that eight UN SDGs, including those focused on environmental protection, health, and economic growth, are most relevant to the maritime industry.
- Green Marine’s Contribution: Green Marine’s certification program was found to contribute to 11 out of the 17 UN SDGs, demonstrating its effectiveness in driving sustainability initiatives.
- Global sustainability framework: The UN SDGs represent a global framework that can guide Canada’s ports in further developing sustainability frameworks and approaches.
- Extensive SDG Adoption: The study observed over two-thirds of Canadian maritime companies referenced the SDGs in their sustainability reporting.
“This research provides a valuable roadmap for the maritime industry to align its sustainability efforts with the global agenda,” said Paul Blomerus, Executive Director of Clear Seas. “By understanding the relevance of the UN SDGs and the role of Green Marine’s certification, organizations can make informed decisions and report on their progress more effectively.”
“While the correlations between Green Marine’s environmental performance indicators and the SDGs may look straightforward now, it took a lot of diligence to ensure this ‘mapping’ was done properly,” says David Bolduc, Green Marine’s president and CEO. “I really appreciate the extensive research that Clear Seas did with our program manager Véronique Trudeau to ultimately simplify these benchmarks for everyone.”
“With safety and community engagement fundamental aspects of their mandates, Canada’s Port Authorities (CPAs) have been leaders in sustainability, with all 17 CPAs early and long-term supporters of Green Marine,” said Daniel-Robert Gooch, President and CEO of the Association of Canadian Port Authorities (ACPA). “This research provides an important baseline of publicly communicated efforts by ports and marine stakeholders to use UN SDGs in their sustainability efforts.”
The findings of this research will be made available to the public and will serve as a valuable resource for industry stakeholders, policymakers, and environmental organizations.
Register now for the research launch webinar on Sep 25, 2024 at 10 AM Pacific, including a panel discussion and Q&A with Clear Seas, Green Marine, and ACPA
About Clear Seas
Clear Seas is a Canadian not-for-profit organization that provides independent fact-based information to enable governments, industry, and the public to make informed decisions on marine shipping issues. We work to build awareness and trust so that all people can feel a part of the marine sector. Our vision is a sustainable marine shipping sector that is safe, vibrant, and inclusive, both now and for future generations.
About ACPA
Founded in 1958, the Association of Canadian Port Authorities brings together the 17 Canada Port Authorities (CPAs) and related marine interests into one national association. ACPA is the champion and advocate for Canadian ports in matters related to government policy, trade, competitiveness, and public awareness, to contribute to a sustainable, clean, efficient, and reliable intermodal supply chain and transportation system.
About Green Marine
Green Marine aims to guide the maritime industry towards environmental excellence by encouraging maritime enterprises to adopt concrete measurable actions that go beyond regulatory obligations. The program therefore deals specifically with issues related to maritime transportation, such as biodiversity protection, air, water and soil quality, and community relations.
Media Information:
Clear Seas contact: Meghan Mathieson, Director of Strategy and Engagement
604-928-1734
meghan.mathieson@clearseas.org
ACPA contact: Cristiane Doherty, Director of Communications and Events
613-799-9277
cdoherty@acpa-aapc.ca
Green Marine contact: Manon Lanthier, Communications Manager
418-569-5110
manon.lanthier@green-marine.org