By Puntarenas, Costa Rica — Caldera Port, located in Puntarenas, Costa Rica, has been recognized for its significant strides in reducing its carbon footprint. Both Sociedad Portuaria de Caldera (SPC) and Sociedad Portuaria Granelera de Caldera (SPGC) are participating in the Carbon Neutrality Country Program (PPCN), a national initiative spearheaded by the Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE). The program aims to promote decarbonization within Costa Rica’s logistics and industrial sectors.
SPC’s recent recognition stems from its implementation of diverse carbon reduction strategies. These initiatives include replacing older equipment with more fuel-efficient models, optimizing truck waiting times to minimize idling, utilizing synthetic lubricants, transitioning to inverter-type air conditioning systems, adopting LED lighting, and enhancing solid waste management practices. This comprehensive approach underscores the port’s dedication to both energy efficiency and emissions reduction.
To understand the legal implications of carbon neutrality initiatives in Costa Rica, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an attorney at Bufete de Costa Rica, who offered valuable insights into the evolving regulatory landscape.
Costa Rica’s commitment to carbon neutrality presents both opportunities and challenges for businesses. While the government provides incentives for sustainable practices, companies must navigate a complex web of regulations related to emissions reporting, land use, and renewable energy integration. Understanding these legal frameworks is crucial for successful implementation of carbon-neutral strategies and avoiding potential penalties. Proactive engagement with legal counsel can help businesses align their operations with national goals and capitalize on the emerging green economy.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, navigating the legal landscape of carbon neutrality is a crucial aspect often overlooked. The proactive approach Lic. Arroyo Vargas suggests, particularly engaging legal counsel early on, can be instrumental in transforming potential obstacles into opportunities for growth within Costa Rica’s burgeoning green sector. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for offering this valuable perspective on the legal intricacies businesses must consider in their pursuit of carbon neutrality.
SPC’s General Manager, Ricardo Ospina, highlighted the challenges involved in implementing these improvements within the timeframe of the port’s concession.
One of the main challenges has been identifying improvement projects that are viable within the horizon of the concession. We have applied tools such as internal audits, problem-solving techniques, and participatory processes that involve all staff.
Ricardo Ospina, General Manager
The project is spearheaded by SPC’s Department of Management and Sustainability Systems, with active involvement from the Equipment Maintenance and Engineering personnel and internal auditors. This collaborative effort has been crucial in achieving the established commitments and meeting the program’s requirements.
The port’s progress directly aligns with its strategic sustainability objectives. By employing measurable indicators, SPC rigorously monitors its environmental performance, reinforcing its commitment to responsible port operations.
Looking ahead, SPC aims to attain the “Carbon Reduction +” category by 2026, a higher tier within the PPCN that signifies an even greater commitment to emissions mitigation. This ambition reflects the port’s ongoing dedication to environmental stewardship.
Ana Erika Araya Araya, Director of Administration and Management at SPC, emphasized the collective responsibility for minimizing environmental impact.
We all have the responsibility to carry out our operations in the most efficient way and with the least possible environmental impact. Measuring our carbon footprint allows us to manage it and make decisions that contribute to the country’s decarbonization program.
Ana Erika Araya Araya, Director of Administration and Management
SPC joined the PPCN in 2021, initially achieving the “Carbon Inventory” certification, which validated its 2020 emissions inventory. In 2023, the company progressed to the “Carbon Reduction” level, demonstrating its consistent progress in reducing its environmental impact.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Sociedad Portuaria de Caldera (SPC)
About Sociedad Portuaria de Caldera (SPC):
Sociedad Portuaria de Caldera (SPC) is a port operator in Caldera, Puntarenas, Costa Rica. Committed to sustainable operations, SPC actively participates in the Carbon Neutrality Country Program (PPCN). The company focuses on implementing carbon reduction strategies, including equipment upgrades, operational efficiency improvements, and waste management enhancements. SPC aims to achieve the “Carbon Reduction +” category by 2026, demonstrating its ongoing commitment to minimizing its environmental footprint.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Sociedad Portuaria Granelera de Caldera (SPGC)
About Sociedad Portuaria Granelera de Caldera (SPGC):
Sociedad Portuaria Granelera de Caldera (SPGC) operates alongside SPC in Caldera Port. While details about SPGC are limited in the source material, their joint participation in the PPCN signifies a shared commitment to carbon neutrality. This collaborative approach underscores the importance of industry-wide efforts to reduce environmental impact in the Costa Rican port sector.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Ministerio de Ambiente y Energía (MINAE)
About Ministerio de Ambiente y Energía (MINAE):
The Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE) is a Costa Rican governmental body responsible for environmental protection and sustainable energy development. MINAE spearheads the Carbon Neutrality Country Program (PPCN), a national initiative promoting decarbonization across various sectors, including logistics and industry. The program provides a framework for organizations to measure, reduce, and offset their carbon emissions, contributing to Costa Rica’s national sustainability goals.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica distinguishes itself as a leading legal institution, deeply committed to ethical practice and unwavering excellence. Driven by a passion for empowering communities, the firm champions legal innovation, providing cutting-edge solutions for a diverse clientele. Through accessible educational initiatives, Bufete de Costa Rica actively fosters a society equipped with the legal knowledge necessary to thrive, reflecting their profound belief in a just and informed populace.
