Identification and selection of Environmental Performance Indicators for sustainable port development

Mar Pollut Bull. 2014 Apr 15;81(1):124-30. doi: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2014.02.006. Epub 2014 Mar 11.

Abstract

In this paper an identification and selection of Environmental Performance Indicators (EPIs) in port areas has been conducted. A comprehensive inventory of existing EPIs in use in the seaport sector has been identified for monitoring performance of operational (e.g. dust, noise, dredging, and waste), managerial (e.g. certification, compliance, and complaints) and environmental condition (e.g. air, water, sediment and ecosystems). These indicators have been filtered against specific criteria and have been assessed and evaluated by port stakeholders in order to obtain a final set of indicators suitable to be implemented at EU level. A user friendly tool has been developed specifically to assist port authorities in calculating and reporting the proposed indicators. This study has drawn on major research projects to blend academic research with input from marine professionals in order to identify, select, evaluate and validate EPIs that are acceptable and feasible to the sector, and practicable in their application and implementation.

Keywords: Environmental Performance Indicators; Environmental management; Port management; Sustainable development.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Conservation of Natural Resources*
  • Environmental Monitoring*
  • Environmental Pollutants / analysis
  • Humans
  • Oceans and Seas
  • Research Design

Substances

  • Environmental Pollutants