The Green Port Policy directs the Port to integrate sustainable practices into Port development and operations by actively promoting an organizational culture of environmental protection and enhancement. This culture extends to Port staff as well as the Port’s customers. Benefits will include preservation of natural resources, reduction of pollution, conservation of energy and curtailment of waste, increases in the use of renewable and recyclable materials, and overall reduction of the Port’s impact on the environment.

Click here to watch a video on how the Port is implementing sustainable practices in its operations.

Program Goal

• Implement sustainable practices in design and construction, operations, and administrative practices throughout the Port.

In achieving this goal, Port staff will develop policies and procedures that will promote long-term environmental health, economic vitality and community responsibility.

Recent Accomplishments

• Formed the Sustainability Task Force, consisting of Port staff, to examine all aspects of Port operations and improve environmental performance.
• The Port applied for and received authorization to implement the American Association of Port Authority’s Environmental Management System, which will help establish sustainable practices in Port purchasing and maintenance functions.
• Established in-house teams to evaluate landscaping, water conservation, recycling, and disposal practices for sustainability principles.
• Helped bring into operation the PierPASS OffPeak truck gate program, which has reduced peak-hour truck traffic by nearly 35%.

In Progress

• Management teams produced a training video and training program for Port staff.
• The Task Force action teams evaluate all Port activities to identify opportunities for the Port to reduce waste and consumption and increase recycling.
• The Engineering Division incorporates Green Building principles into new building design through its Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification program.

Upcoming Activities

• The Port is implementing Environmental Management System to instill "green" practices into its purchasing and procurement practices.
• The Port is supporting the start-up of the Virtual Container Yard program, so that empty containers can be exchanged on-line, outside the Port.
• The Port’s Environmental Control Program, a requirement for companies leasing land in the Harbor District, will be expanded and refined to ensure that it incorporates Green Port Policy principles.