To steward a healthy harbour, there are several actions we take regularly to measure our impact. By measuring our impact, we have a clear indicator of where to focus our attention for improvement. On this page:
Green Marine
GVHA has been Green Marine certified since 2010. The Breakwater District at Ogden Point, Victoria’s cruise ship terminal, continues to demonstrate measurable improvements in key areas related to:
- Climate and air quality;
- Ecosystem protection; and
- Community impact and relations.
Green Marine is a voluntary environmental certification program for the maritime industry. We can measure our environmental practices and performance against those of other North American port authorities, ship owners, terminals, and shipyards.
GVHA scores an average level of 3.8 out of 5 across eight different performance indicators. SSA Marine, the terminal operator for GVHA, is also Green Marine certified since 2025. GVHA and SSA Marine work closely together to improve sustainability effort and reduce impact on the environment.
Clean Marine
Clean Marine BC is a voluntary environmental assessment program for marinas and harbour authorities offered by the Georgia Strait Alliance BC. Our marinas (Fisherman’s Wharf, Inner Harbour, and Wharf Street) are audited by an independent organization every three years. The certification looks at best practices for fuel and energy use, drainage, water quality, condition of the grounds, water conservation, and waste management methods. Based on our 2021 accreditation, our marinas received the highest possible rating of five anchors, placing our marinas among a small group of environmentally-leading facilities.
Air Quality
As part of our efforts to ensure a clean and safe working harbour, GVHA installed three PM2.5 Purple Air monitors around our properties. One near the Breakwater District at Ogden Point, one at Fisherman’s Wharf, and one at our partners of the Victoria International Marina (near Lime Bay Park). The monitors capture real-time data about air quality, measuring dust, dirt, soot, and smoke particles (including from wildfires), and pollutants from motorized vehicles or vessels and industry.
The data is publicly available. Please refer to the readings for 135 Dallas Road to learn about air quality at the Breakwater District at Ogden Point. It displays readings for Environment Canada’s Air Quality Health Index (AQHI). Any score of less than 30 is ideal for outdoor activities.
On an annual basis, GVHA measures Scope 1 and Scope 2 Greenhouse Gas emissions. Scope 1 emissions are direct emissions from sources owned or controlled by GVHA, like burning fuel in vehicles. Scope 2 emissions are indirect emissions, from the energy the organization purchases, such as electricity, steam, heat, or cooling. There also exist Scope 3 emissions. These are indirect greenhouse gas emissions that occur outside of a company’s direct operations but are still a consequence of its activities. GVHA will start including parts of scope 3 emissions in the future.
Every four years we execute a more detailed Greenhouse Gas and Criteria Air Contaminants (CACs) emissions study at the Breakwater District at Ogden Point.
In 2023, GVHA took new GHG emission readings, establishing a new baseline to use for all future measurements.
GVHA’s Scope 1 and Scope 2 GHG emissions for 2023.