PORT Waratah Coal Services has released 2021 sustainability and financial reports to an online suite, highlighting positive environmental and community achievements.
Based near Port of Newcastle, Port Waratah receives, stockpiles, blends, and loads coal for export, with a stated awareness of its environmental responsibility.
In 2021, the company reportedly achieved its lowest annual greenhouse gas emissions intensity and a 34% reduction in potable water consumption.
Port Waratah was formally recognised for the water-saving initiatives behind this achievement, receiving the Love Water Love Business award at the Hunter Business Awards.
Port Waratah CEO Hennie du Plooy said the positive outcomes were the result of increased awareness and the committed action of the Port Waratah team.
“Living our values of caring, integrity, progress and excellence drives us to responsibly manage potential environmental impacts as well as the social and governance aspects of our business,” Mr du Plooy said.
“We aim to build relationships based on trust and reporting transparently on all aspects of our business is a key element of those relationships.
“That is why our reporting also includes a performance snapshot that highlights a core set of targets important to our community and key stakeholders.”
The company reportedly delivered environmental projects and improvements in areas including dust management, potable water consumption, energy efficiency, and waste diverted from landfill.
Mr du Plooy said these initiatives helped Port Waratah reduce the demand on resources in the Hunter region.
“We delivered largely uninterrupted services to our customers despite significant industry volatility, weather disruption and of course the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic,” he said.
Mr du Plooy said the company also made an effort to support local business partners, spending more than $85 million on local suppliers, materials, and services in the Hunter and Central Coast.
In addition to the company’s annual report and sustainability report, Port Waratah has also shared its modern slavery statement, which outlines its efforts to eliminate slavery, servitude, and debt bondage from the organisation and the broader supply chain.
“I am proud that Port Waratah is reporting on our sustainability performance to the community more comprehensively and transparently than ever before,” he said.
“As always, stakeholder feedback about our operations is welcome and encouraged.”
Port Waratah has published its sustainability report, financial report, modern slavery statement and a dedicated sustainability website to encourage stakeholder and community engagement.
