CSL Partners with WWF-Canada to Combat Climate Change

Under the terms of the agreement, CSL will obtain expert advisory services from WWF-Canada as it adopts, develops and promotes energy efficiency and emission reduction initiatives while strengthening its leadership role in sustainable marine management.

“While this is one of the many steps we’re taking to enhance our environmental record, it’s probably the most exciting step,” said CSL president Gerry Carter. “WWF-Canada is part of a renowned global conservation organization. We’re proud to be aligned with them and excited to benefit from their expertise. We hope to show WWF-Canada first-hand CSL’s commitment to the environment through innovation, and promote shipping as the most environmentally friendly mode of transportation in the world.”

The scope of activities within the agreement is wide ranging with the specific goals outlined in a partnership work-plan that spans 2010-14. The first year will focus on strategy development to measure CSL’s current footprint and set ambitious emission reduction targets for carbon dioxide (CO2), Sulphur Oxides (Sox) and Nitrous Oxides (NOx). As well, CSL will develop research to support the environmental benefits of modal shift to marine transportation to help de-carbonize the Canadian transportation sector. Years 2-5 will focus on monitoring, reporting and verification.

“This agreement is based on transparency, and that’s the only way to achieve success with environmental initiatives,” said CSL’s Carter. “We’re being challenged to be better than we are and we’re fully aware that WWF-Canada will hold us to our commitments. We will be better.”

“WWF-Canada looks for leaders to help set new environmental standards and CSL is setting the bar in the shipping industry,” says Gerald Butts, president and CEO, WWF-Canada. “We are excited to work with CSL because they are committed to being business leaders and advocates for broader change in the industry.”

About CSL
Canada Steamship Lines is part of the Montreal-based The CSL Group, which includes CSL International of Beverly, MA (USA) and CSL Australia of Sydney, Aus. Together, The CSL Group companies manage the largest fleet of self-unloading vessels in the world. These ships are equipped with latest-generation cargo-handling technology, and deliver large volumes of cargo in the most environmentally efficient manner possible. CSL is a founding member of the Green Marine alliance, a voluntary association of Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River stakeholders whose aim it is to protect the marine environment.

About WWF-Canada
WWF-Canada (World Wildlife Fund Canada) is a member of WWF, one of the world’s largest independent conservation organizations, active in more than 100 countries. WWF is creating solutions to the most serious conservation challenges facing our planet, helping people and nature to thrive. In Canada, we create solutions to conservation issues important to Canadians and the world.

WWF-Canada works collaboratively with governments, businesses and the public to help fight climate change, the single biggest environmental threat to our planet; conserve our oceans and freshwater resources; and educate and mobilize people to build a conservation culture. WWF-Canada’s main office is in Toronto, with regional offices located in Vancouver, Prince Rupert, St. Albert, Ottawa, Halifax and St. John’s. For more information, visit wwf.ca.

For more information
Sylvie Lafleur, Director Customer Service
(514) 982-3839
[email protected]
www.csl.ca

Tara Wood, Head of Press,
WWF-Canada, 416-484-7710,
[email protected]