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Development of Framework for Improved Sustainability in the Canadian Port Sector

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  • Jennifer L. MacNeil

    (School for Resource and Environmental Studies, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada)

  • Michelle Adams

    (School for Resource and Environmental Studies, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada)

  • Tony R. Walker

    (School for Resource and Environmental Studies, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada)

Abstract

Canada Port Authorities (CPAs) are federal entities responsible for managing Canadian Ports with local, national, and international strategic importance. Despite their connection to the Government of Canada, the CPAs inconsistently report sustainability performance and are absent from Canada’s Federal Sustainable Development Strategy (FSDS)—a national strategy to operationalize the United Nation’s (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Sustainability initiatives currently used by CPAs only contribute towards attaining 14 of 36 relevant SDG targets, suggesting the need for an additional sustainability framework to achieve the remainder of these targets. This paper proposes a port-specific framework based on disclosures from the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) to fill performance gaps in current sustainability initiatives. Disclosures were selected in an iterative process based on literature and industry best practices. The framework provides a unified approach for both CPAs and policymakers to attain SDG targets relevant to the Canadian port sector and align sustainability performance with Canada’s FSDS.

Suggested Citation

  • Jennifer L. MacNeil & Michelle Adams & Tony R. Walker, 2021. "Development of Framework for Improved Sustainability in the Canadian Port Sector," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(21), pages 1-17, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:21:p:11980-:d:668091
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Olli-Pekka Brunila & Vappu Kunnaala-Hyrkki & Tommi Inkinen, 2023. "Sustainable small ports: performance assessment tool for management, responsibility, impact, and self-monitoring," Journal of Shipping and Trade, Springer, vol. 8(1), pages 1-24, December.

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