Too Much of a Good Thing? Navigating the Abundance of E&S Metrics in Ports’ Sustainability

Frank Oswald (), Seyedeh Azadeh Alavi-Borazjani, Michelle Adams and Fátima Lopes Alves
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Frank Oswald: Department of Environment and Planning and Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
Seyedeh Azadeh Alavi-Borazjani: Department of Environment and Planning and Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
Michelle Adams: Faculty of Science, School for Resource and Environmental Studies (SRES), Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
Fátima Lopes Alves: Department of Environment and Planning and Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 10, 1-16

Abstract: As global sustainability goals gain momentum, seaports are playing a pivotal role in driving environmentally and socially responsible practices. In light of the International Maritime Organization’s emission reduction targets, transparent and effective Environmental and Social (E&S) reporting has become increasingly vital. This study critically examines current E&S reporting practices in the port industry through an analysis of recent disclosures from major European and global ports, supported by a review of academic and industry literature. The research explores how sustainability reports address key themes such as CO 2 emissions, energy efficiency, health and safety, operational performance, and biodiversity. While the presence of numerous indicators reflects a commitment to comprehensive sustainability, the proliferation of metrics poses challenges for clarity, comparability, and stakeholder engagement. The abundance of data risks diluting focus, complicating benchmarking, and may even contribute to greenwashing. Without standardization and strategic alignment, reporting can become counterproductive. This study advocates for a harmonized set of performance indicators that remain flexible enough to reflect port-specific strategies, yet are consistent with global benchmarks. Achieving this balance will require collaboration among researchers, industry leaders, and policymakers to develop transparent, adaptive E&S reporting frameworks that support meaningful progress in ports’ sustainability.

Keywords: port sustainability; environmental, social, and governance (ESG); performance indicators (PIs); key performance indicators (KPIs); environmental performance indicators (EPIs); sustainability reporting (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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