Port of Newcastle's sustainability efforts have been rated as the best in Oceania and the second best globally.
Netherlands based sustainability auditor GRESB awarded the rankings for the port's environmental, social and governance (ESG) initiatives.
"Just three years ago at the beginning of our sustainability and diversification journey we started with a GRESB score of 40. We jumped to 75 last year and now in 2021, we are ranked first across participating ports in Oceania and second globally having achieved a score of 92 out of a possible 100," Port of Newcastle chief executive Craig Carmody said.
"This is a great achievement for the Port of Newcastle, and we are committed to doing more to build on our sustainability initiatives into 2022 and beyond.
GRESB only provides a raw score out of 100 and does not provide information about comparative ports.
Earlier this year the port achieved a five star rating from GRESB, the highest rating and recognition for being an industry leader.
The GRESB number one ranking for bulk goods reflects the port's efforts to diversify for the future and embed ESG practices across its business and culture.
"We have handled a mix of trade for 222 years and bring more than 25 different cargoes through our deepwater global gateway, but we have our sights set on more," Mr Carmody said.
"As the world's largest coal exporting port, we know that it is imperative for Port of Newcastle to focus on diversification now to ensure a sustainable and economically resilient business for the future."
In the past 12 months the port has secured an industry first sustainability linked loan which directly links the cost of the debt to achieving sustainability targets,
It has established an Indigenous STEM scholarship with the University of Newcastle, secured a 100 per cent renewable energy contract for 90.5 per cent of the port's electricity use, gained silver partner status in the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment's Sustainability Advantage Program and increased diversity and inclusion in its workforce.
"By taking this long-term approach to our business strategy we are working to create a strong, thriving Port that continues to support local jobs and the economic prosperity of the Hunter and NSW economies," Mr Carmody said.
The Port of Newcastle's ESG Strategy sets out the Port's commitment to Net Zero by 2040 and approved science-based target initiative target of 30 per cent reduction greenhouse gas in line with below 2-degree trajectories.
