The Port of Halifax is one of the largest natural, ice-free harbours in the world and has a long history of shipping and economic importance for the region and province of Nova Scotia. The Halifax Port Authority (HPA) recognizes that operating in an environmentally responsible manner is an important part of the organization’s overall mandate.
The HPA is committed to sustainable development and to the health and safety of the environment, local community and its employees. It integrates environmental management into its operations and ensures compliance among HPA personnel. The HPA also encourages environmental stewardship throughout the Port of Halifax and provides guidance to tenants and other users of the port by setting positive environmental performance.
The HPA recognizes its relationship with the local environment and seeks to lessen any potential impacts through the following environmental commitments:
- Complying with environmental legislation and relevant guidelines and codes of practice that apply to its facilities and operations;
- Ensuring that facilities and operational activities at the port are undertaken in a manner that protects the environment, and prevents or minimizes pollution;
- Developing an environmental management system that outlines achievable objectives and targets;
- Continually seeking improvement in existing environmental approaches and performance by reviewing activities yearly, ensuring conformity and evaluating their progress;
- Communicating the environmental policy to employees, clients and the public.