Environmental management in the Port Authority of Las Palmas : the concept of eco-efficiency

Abstract

Ports have attracted particular attention due to their rapid growth in recent years. Their vital role in integrated transport chains and regional economies must be balanced against environmental protection. Environmental sustainability is increasingly being recognised as an important factor, with the sector being subject to greater pressure to move away from resource-intensive growth towards a more ecologically and environmentally friendly trajectory. This document reviews concepts and initiatives employed by the Las Palmas Port Authority (PALP) in its implementation of indicators of environmental efficiency and measures of eco-efficiency that form part of the sustainable development strategy of the port of Las Palmas. This report details and analyses data for management efficiency, operational efficiency and environmental quality indicators in terms of the PSR (Pressure-State-Response) model of the PALP and makes comparisons with other ports sharing similar characteristics. The most important Ports of General Interest located along a port-city boundary in terms of eco-efficiency are those of Barcelona and Valencia. This work aims to give an overview of environmental management and the policies that are currently in place in the PALP, in addition to proposing other possible initiatives that could be implemented to improve and extend the current environmental management.