Utilise Plus Event Report: Sustainability Tour of Shoreham Port, Southwick

On a clear morning in February, the Sustainable Business Partnership CIC welcomed delegates to Shoreham Port in Southwick for a Sustainability Tour. This event was held as part of the SBP CIC’s ongoing Utilise Plus programme which helps small and medium sized enterprises to save energy, reducing their costs and environmental impact in the process.

The SBP CIC’s Jack Dale welcomed delegates by giving an overview of the Utilise Plus programme and the services it offers, from grant funding and energy audits to a variety of networking and learning events. Jack then handed over to Brian Rousell, Shoreham Port’s Director of Engineering who spoke about the port’s plethora of sustainability measures. Brian explained that Shoreham Port is one of just eleven ports in the UK to hold ‘Eco-Port’ status, accredited by the European Sea Ports Organisation (ESPO). In addition to this, they’re the first port to have a dedicated Director of Infrastructure and Climate Change, Tony Parker, showing how they’re leading the way in this sector when it comes to sustainability. Brian went on to give an overview of some of their many energy-saving technologies throughout their site, including LED lighting, solar panels installed by Brighton Energy Coop, and pumps which are controlled by a computer to reduce unnecessary energy use.

After Brian’s talk, it was over to Tony for the tour. We hopped on a Big Lemon bus and drove around the port to see sustainability in action, including their two wind turbines which were installed in 2016 (aptly named ‘Spinny’ and ‘Gusty’ by the local primary school). After getting off the bus, we got a closer look at their grain silos. Tony explained that Shoreham Port is the nearest port for farmers in Sussex and Hampshire and wheat is exported to France, Spain and Italy, barley to Germany and Belgium, while oats go to Scotland for porridge! Shoreham Port is also responsible for storing woodchip from the forestry and construction industries which is exported to Sweden for wood-burning power stations.

After the tour, the event ended with networking over lunch. Delegates enjoyed the event, with Sally Thorley of Precision Products calling it “interesting and informative,” while Richard Piggott of The Homity Trust praised the “interactive bus tour” and Chloe Bullock of Materialise Interiors said she’s “very happy to better understand this important part of Brighton and Hove.”

This event was fully-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). At the Sustainable Business Partnership CIC, we always want to hear from passionate speakers, exciting venues, and enthusiastic event partners. If you’d like to work with us, please get in touch.