Sustainability is a key driver of how we do business within Transnet Port Terminals. Receiving the highest level of attention throughout the company, TPT is continually striving to improve its environmental, financial and social performance. Dedicated management forums meet on a regular basis to track the progress of the company against its sustainability targets.
Environmental Management Systems
TPT has numerous cargo handling activities which take place in its terminals which have the possibility of impacting on the local environment.
As one of the three pillars of sustainability, TPT has a well-entrenched environmental philosophy and the appropriate management structures to support this philosophy. Demonstrating management’s commitment to environmental performance and integrity, TPT has implemented the internationally recognized ISO 14001 system in each of its terminals around the country. This system is supported by individual terminal management structures and has become an intrinsic operating philosophy at all levels of the company. Subject to regular legal compliance audits, TPT is well-placed to mitigate against any environmental legal non-compliances identified and prevent these from possibly occurring. Enjoying several years of successful certification, TPT continues to strive towards continual environmental improvement and entrench this philosophy even further.
TPT has also subscribed to the NOSA system since 2001, with several terminals having achieved the prestigious NOSCAR status over the years - NOSCAR status is above a five star NOSA grading and is the ultimate achievement in Safety, Health and Environmental management. The current average percentage achieved by TPT as a whole is over 90%.
Over the years, TPT has deployed a vast air and water quality monitoring network, allowing us to track our performance in this regard and rectify any non-conformances which may arise. This has the added benefit of transparency in dealing with nearby communities and any impacts the organization may have on its neighbours.
In each of its bulk mineral cargo handling terminals, TPT possesses an Atmospheric Emissions License, which sets out strict criteria in terms of adherence to air quality standards and legal limits.
We have developed a radiation protection program, in line with strict National Nuclear Regulator requirements, to limit our environmental impact and employee exposure to radioactive cargo handled. Our terminals are audited on a regular basis to ensure that the highest levels of compliance are always achieved.
Resource conservation
Recognizing the critical importance that finite mineral deposits and all other natural resources have on TPT’s performance and acknowledging energy supply constraints as one of its highest risks, the company has undertaken a R60m energy management project to establish an accurate baseline energy usage profile in order to identify valuable energy savings opportunities throughout its various terminal operations. Monthly monitoring and measurement of all resources occurs within TPT and is analyzed to identify any inefficiencies which may exist and any opportunities which present themselves to better our environmental performance.
TPT has installed motion detectors in most of its buildings, including ablution facilities and offices. These sensors automatically turn off lights when the area in question is not occupied, thus reducing our energy demands. Other projects being pursued include energy-efficient office and high-mast lighting, as well as heat pumps and solar panels for water heating.
Power is regenerated back into the local electricity grid by certain ship-to-shore cranes within TPT, reducing our electrical supply demands and freeing up this electricity for use elsewhere in the area.
The implementation of ISO 50001 Energy Management Systems over the next few years will see even further gains being achieved in terms of energy management by each terminal, as well as reducing our carbon footprint and managing energy constraints correctly.