Hong Kong’s cargo handlers have taken another step towards their sustainability commitments as Cathay Cargo Terminal and Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Limited (HACTL) gained their IATA Environmental Assessment (IEnvA) certification.
The full certification, awarded during the recent the World Cargo Symposium held in Hong Kong, is considered the global aviation standard for environmental management, aligned with ISO standards and recognised by leading ESG agencies.
Developed by IATA, the IEnvA programme supports aviation stakeholders, from airlines, airports to ramp handlers, to implement a systematic approach to identify, monitor, control, and continuously improve the environmental performance of their operations. The certification is awarded following a comprehensive evaluation of the companies’ environmental sustainability management systems and their plans for continual performance improvement.
IATA said the handlers’ accreditation sets a strong example and demonstrates the positive impact of the certification in cargo operations. Mark Watts, Cathay Cargo Terminal operations chief, believes having IEnvA-certified facilities at Hong Kong International Airport further strengthens Hong Kong’s position as the world’s leading air cargo hub.
For Hactl chief Wilson Kwong, he believes this feat will increase the appeal of his company’s offering, as well as help deliver the sustainability message across the industry
“It’s our policy to gain accreditation under every relevant standard, hence our decision to add IATA IEnvA to our portfolio,” he noted.
The program, which is available for all stakeholders in the aviation supply chain, has now reached 60 participating organisations, with Hactl and Cathay becoming the first cargo handlers from North Asia to achieve the certification.
“Adopting IEnvA standards allows the certified organizations to effectively focus their resources on improving their environmental performance and make use of tried and proven best practices, to drive sustainability, build trust, and deliver positive impact,” said Marie Owens Thomsen, IATA’s SVP sustainability and chief economist.
