POV_weCan_CMYKThe Port of Vancouver prides itself in being a leader in modeling sustainable practices in all aspects of its work. Employees in particular take this to heart by participating in the “We Can” program and by producing the program’s annual report. The annual report describes the port’s approach to sustainability, details sustainable efforts undertaken across departments, and discusses progress made toward goals.

Described as a “three-legged stool”, the port views sustainability in terms of people (social equity goals), planet (environmental goals), and profit (economic goals). Overall, practicing sustainability makes good business sense. It helps improve operational efficiencies and reduces costs, increases profitability and revenue, helps a business like the port meet or beat regulatory requirements, and can be an employee recruitment and retention tool.

In 2013 staff set six long-term goals and identified 50 year-end targets to support the goals. Some accomplishments include:

  • Updating the port’s website to better deliver content (thus reducing need for printed materials);
  • Encouraging port tenants to complete the Clark County Green Business Program,
  • Construction of a trail section along SR-501;
  • Migration to electronic timesheet processing; and
  • Completion of the Gateway Avenue Overpass grade separation which allows for safety, efficiency and fewer delays between rail and trucks.

The “We Can” project was initiated by the port in 2008. A cross-departmental task force sets goals and targets for the coming year. Staff is already working on meeting 2014 targets with an understanding that every employee plays a role in integrating sustainable practices into their work.