Port Community

Positive Impact

Positive lmpact is the initiative of the Port of Barcelona, unique in the world, which emphasizes the environmental and social commitment of the Port Community. The program helps spread the positive impact of companies, connect synergies and facilitate collaborations, share good practices to move forward together towards a fully sustainable port model.

"Sustainable growth is a strategic pillar for the Port of Barcelona, aligned with the UN Global Compact and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Positive lmpact Port highlights this commitment, driving the Port Community's contribution to the creation of economic, social, and environmental value."

Port of Barcelona

Introduction to Positive Impact

The Positive lmpact Port is the evolution of the Barcelona Port Community Sectoral Sustainability Plan. In the Port's new stage, aligned with the V Strategic Plan 2026-2030, the PI acts as a shared strategic roadmap until 2030 to promete a positive environmental, social and good governance impact.

The plan is structured around three strategic pillars-an environmentally friendly port, a port that is fair to people, and an ethical port-and twelve operational objectives: efficient resource use, waste management, decarbonization, protection of seas and oceans, diversity, equity and equality, talent, healthy and safe environments, collaboration, leadership, and compliance.

What it is and what it offers

Positive lmpact Port structures and highlights the Port Community's contribution regarding environmental, social, and governance (ESG) aspects. Through participating organizations, the program gathers initiatives, indicators, and best practices to build a shared vision of the Port of Barcelona's sustainable progress.

What do companies gain by joining

Participation is completely free and the only requirement is completing an annual, confidential survey. In exchange for this collaboration, the company receives a range of high-value reports and analytical tools:

Sector Report (Benchmarking): A compilation of indicators compared against the relevant industrial sector, allowing the company to analyze its positioning within the port community.
Executive Report: A personalized summary of its data (available upon request), ideal for brand communication and internal reporting.
Global Report and PI Executive Summary: Publication of the port-wide aggregated results, officially featuring the organization's logo.
Feedback and response review: Return of analyzed and processed data, useful for identifying potential improvements for future editions.
Networking and visibility: Integration into an active community, access to exclusive environmental content, and increased visibility for initiatives.

Membership

Do you want your organisation to be part of the Positive Impact initiative?

To formalise membership, the person in charge of the organisation must fill out the form. The document only undertakes to provide the information necessary for the preparation of the Sectoral Sustainability Report. The Port Authority guarantees the confidentiality of the data and to use them in aggregate form and only for the preparation of the Report.

Membership form

Organisations adhering to the Positive Impact initiative

Companies within the Port Community are joining Positive lmpact Port to co-design the sustainable future of the Port of Barcelona. Being part of this collective project enables the sharing of information, knowledge, and indicators, the contribution of best practices, and greater visibility for each organization's environmental commitment.

"One of the strategic axes of the Port of Barcelona is to guarantee its sustainable growth, in line with the Global Compact and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, to which it is firmly committed. This implies enhancing the contribution that infrastructure makes to society in terms of economic, social and environmental value."

Port of Barcelona

Strategic orientation

The Plan began in 2015 to respond to the objectives of the 3rd Strategic Plan of the Port of Barcelona. It allows the organisations of the Port Community to advance towards sustainable development bearing in mind the expectations of the stakeholders. This orientation towards sustainability becomes the central axis of the 4th Strategic Plan (2021-2025).

Through an exhaustive survey, the Sectoral Sustainability Plan collected the status of the member organisations through a series of indicators.

Global challenges

The Port focuses not only on the challenges posed by the country and the city, but also by the world. That is why it adheres to the United Nations Global Compact 2015-2030 and aligns its actions with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are also pursued by the organisations of the Plan.

What are the SDGs

Development of economic, social and environmental value

The organisations that adhere to the Positive Impact align with various SDGs.

SDG 8 – Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work

The growth of goods and passengers is accompanied by the concern that this is respectful of the environment. Economic value.

SDG 9 – Build resilient infrastructures, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialisation and encourage innovation

Growth has been possible thanks to the development of infrastructures and the expansion of investments year after year. Economic value.

SDG 12 – Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns

Sustainable consumption and production are linked to the energy use of resources, energy efficiency and sustainable infrastructures. Economic value.

SDG 3 – Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for everyone at all ages

Quality of life is an essential aspect that is taken care of and promoted. Social value.

SDG 4 – Ensure inclusive, equitable and quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all

Training is important for workers and to promote employment in the sector. Social value.

SDG 5 – Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls

Especially working in this line in a sector with still little female presence. Social value.

SDG 8 – Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all

Creating quality employment is a challenge that extends to people with disabilities or at risk of social exclusion. Social value.

SDG 11 – Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable

Developing actions that ensure an inclusive and supportive environment with people and the city. Social value.

SDG 6 – Guarantee the availability of water and its sustainable management and sanitation for all

With actions aimed at reducing waste, preventing spills and cleaning water. Environmental value.

SDG 7 – Energy, affordable and clean

Guarantee access to affordable, safe, sustainable and modern energy. Focusing on energy efficiency, less polluting advanced technologies and promoting investment in sustainable infrastructure. Environmental value.

SDG 13 – Take urgent action to combat climate change and its effects

Control potential environmental risks of port activity, with the aim of preventing and minimising them. Environmental value.

SDG 14 – Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development

Prudent management of the sea is essential for a sustainable future. The sea is our ally; therefore, taking care of the sea is taking care of port activity. Environmental value.