Global · Case study

Port of Newcastle

Newcastle, New South Wales, AustraliaNot specified

Case study supplied by Port of Newcastle for inclusion in the Green Ports Toolkit.

Since commencing participation in the Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark (GRESB) assessment in 2019, Port of Newcastle (PON) has used the framework as a catalyst for meaningful ESG transformation. PON’s initial score of 40 out of 100 (Port of Newcastle, 2025a) provided a clear baseline and, importantly, a view of where we were underperforming, particularly in governance structures, policy, risk management, and metrics and targets. PON confirms that it embraced this score as the beginning of its roadmap to improvement.

Following its first submission, PON undertook a structured uplift program across the business. Board oversight of ESG was formalized, with clearer accountability for climate risk, sustainability performance, and strategic alignment. PON integrated ESG within all business units, upgraded policies, established measurable emissions reduction targets, and embedded sustainability KPIs into finance through the establishment of sustainability linked loans. PON undertook a staged decarbonization and diversification program to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels.

PON confirms that each subsequent GRESB assessment became part of its annual improvement strategy. Gap analyses were conducted after every assessment, with clear ownership assigned to close performance gaps. It strengthened stakeholder engagement, enhanced tenant collaboration, and aligned reporting more closely with emerging regulatory frameworks. Over time, sustainability shifted from being a reporting exercise to an integrated component of risk management, investment decision-making, and business-as-usual (Ruth Madden, PON).

Energy initiatives include an LED lighting upgrade across the port, completed in 2024, 100% renewable electricity since January 2022 through a retail power purchase agreement (PPA) linked to the Bodangora Wind Farm, and an electric vehicle program that has switched 10 of 13 vehicles to electric (Port of Newcastle, 2022; Port of Newcastle, 2025b).

In 2021 Port of Newcastle secured a sustainability linked loan that links the cost of its debt to achieving its sustainability targets (Port of Newcastle, 2021).

By proactively addressing climate risk exposure PON are strengthening the resilience of the port against climate change scenarios.

“The results of this sustained focus are clear, with our GRESB score improving every year since 2019, achieving a 5-Star rating for five consecutive years (2021 to 2025). In 2025, we reached a milestone achievement with a perfect score of 100 out of 100.

Our GRESB journey demonstrates that benchmarking, when paired with strong leadership and a commitment to continuous improvement, can drive tangible financial, environmental, and social impacts. Sustainability is now embedded in how we operate, invest, and manage risk, positioning Port of Newcastle as an industry leader and strengthening our long-term resilience and competitiveness.”

Ruth Madden, Sustainability Manager Port of Newcastle

Transferability:

DMC port operators can use GRESB to set a baseline and then close gaps each year, even from a low starting score. Assigning a named owner to each gap after every assessment turns the benchmark into an annual improvement plan. Improvements to governance, policy and target setting can lift scores without large capital spending. A consistent GRESB track record can also support access to sustainability linked finance.

Sources

All information used for this case study was based on publicly available resources.