The Port of Seattle released a comprehensive Environment and Sustainability Report today, highlighting significant 2023 achievements such as reaching its goal of a 50% reduction in Port-controlled greenhouse gas emissions seven years early. The document also reports on the adoption of Land Stewardship Principles that guide the Port’s tree and land stewardship practices, and on the finding of thousands of juvenile salmon (2,568) in the first fish sampling of the restored Duwamish River People’s Park and Shoreline Habitat – the largest restoration project in the Lower Duwamish. The report sets a standard for what information the Port will make available on an annual basis going forward.
“The Port and the Commission remain steadfast in achieving measurable advancements in our environmental initiatives, prioritizing data-driven research, and expediting improvements within our jurisdiction to address urgent needs,” said Port of Seattle Commission President Hamdi Mohamed. “Transparently sharing this information with our partners and constituents is crucial. This report will play a pivotal role in facilitating these efforts and guiding our transition from internal operations to catalyzing transformation across the aviation and maritime sectors. We hope this report serves many purposes, including being a resource to port authorities around the world.”
“Addressing climate change with real and innovative solutions is critical to our future,” said Port of Seattle Commission Vice President Toshiko Hasegawa. “We’re proud of what our teams, tenants, and community partners accomplished in 2023. The work hasn’t stopped as we continue to move the needle forward on our strategic objectives this year and into the future.”
About the report
A series of metrics measure the Port’s sustainability efforts against its commitment to its Century Agenda goals, individual program goals, and larger regional goals. The report showcases efforts in nine categories ranging from Healthy Lands and Habitat to Community Engagement. Also, the report recognizes partners of the Port who’ve gone above and beyond to promote environmental sustainability.
“As a port, we have set ambitious environmental goals, which sets us apart from many in the industry. Clearly communicating our progress with partners and community is key to learning what works and adapting our strategies over time,” said Port of Seattle Sr. Director Environment and Sustainability Sandra Kilroy. “In 2023 we made measurable progress.”
Additional 2023 accomplishments
Dedicated to covering all Port-wide environmental activities and recognizing the multi-departmental effort involved, the 2023 report highlights many key actions that reflect Port values of stewardship excellence. These include:
- Signing the Pacific Northwest to Alaska Cruise Green Corridor project charter and developing the scope for a green methanol feasibility study
- Completing the Municipal Solid Waste-to-Sustainable Aviation Fuel Study with King County
- Surveying over 2,000 juvenile salmon, including hundreds of Chinook, in the Duwamish River People's Park and Shoreline Habitat, which is the newest and largest restoration project on the Duwamish in a generation
- Hosting more than 60 stewardship and learning opportunities across the region
- Planting more than 13,000 trees and shrubs
- Meeting all stormwater and wastewater permit requirements
- Diverting thousands of tons of waste from landfills, including over 1,800 tons of waste from maritime facilities and over 4,170 tons from SEA Airport, nearly reaching the goal of a 60% diversion rate Port-wide
- Developing new SEA Airport requirements mandating the use of reusable or compostable options at retail and dining facilities, taking effect in July 2024
- Managing environmental and building permits for over 260 projects
- Awarding $150,000 to five environmental grant recipients of the South King County Community Impact Fund
See the report for a full list of highlights and data.
Looking ahead
The Port will continue to build upon 2023 and even more recent accomplishments. Multiple environmental projects are underway or in the planning stages, such as making progress on electric vehicle fleet transition, conducting the Green Corridor Feasibility Study, and pursuing the Sound Insulation Repair and Replacement Pilot Program. By the end of 2024, the Port will also be the first home port in the world to offer shore power at three cruise berths.
About the Port of Seattle
Founded in 1911 by a vote of the people as a special purpose government, the Port of Seattle’s mission is to promote economic opportunities and quality of life in the region by advancing trade, travel, commerce, and job creation in an equitable, accountable, and environmentally responsible manner.
The Port owns and operates Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), Fishermen’s Terminal — home of the North Pacific fishing fleet — and public marinas. The Port also owns two cruise ship terminals, a grain terminal, real estate assets, and marine cargo terminals through its partnership in the Northwest Seaport Alliance.
Port operations help support nearly 200,000 jobs and $7 billion in wages throughout the region. Over the next 13 years, the Port’s Century Agenda seeks to create an additional 100,000 jobs through economic growth while becoming the nation’s leading green and energy-efficient port.
Contact
Chris Guizlo | Port of Seattle
(206) 787-3433 | [email protected]
