Port of Seattle Releases 2023 Sustainability Report
The Port of Seattle published its comprehensive Environment and Sustainability Report, showcasing achievements in 2023.
This includes exceeding their goal of a 50% reduction in port-controlled greenhouse gas emissions – a full seven years ahead of schedule.
The report also highlights the adoption of Land Stewardship Principles guiding the Port's tree and land management practices. Also, the first fish sampling at the restored Duwamish River People's Park, the largest restoration project in the Lower Duwamish, revealed a promising sign: over 2,500 juvenile salmon! This report sets a new standard for annual environmental transparency.
“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.”
Environmental Efforts Measured and Shared
The report details the Port's sustainability efforts using a range of metrics. These track progress against the Century Agenda goals, individual programme goals, and larger regional objectives. It showcases initiatives across nine categories, from healthy lands and habitat to community engagement. The report recognises outstanding contributions from the Port's sustainability partners.
“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.”
2023 Highlights: A Year of Action
The 2023 report reflects the Port's commitment to environmental stewardship across all departments. Here are some key achievements:
- Signing the Pacific Northwest to Alaska Cruise Green Corridor project charter and initiating a green methanol feasibility study.
- Completing a study with King County on converting municipal solid waste into sustainable aviation fuel.
- Discovering a thriving population of juvenile salmon, including hundreds of Chinook, in the newly restored Duwamish River People's Park.
- Hosting over 60 educational and stewardship events across the region.
- Planting over 13,000 trees and shrubs.
- Maintaining perfect compliance with stormwater and wastewater permits.
- Diverting thousands of tonnes of waste from landfills, exceeding 1,800 tonnes from maritime facilities and nearly reaching the 60% diversion goal Port-wide.
- Implementing new SEA Airport requirements mandating reusable or compostable options at food and retail outlets (effective July 2024).
- Managing environmental and building permits for over 260 projects.
- Awarding $1,50,000 in environmental grants through the South King County Community Impact Fund.
Looking Ahead: Building on Success
The Port is committed to making greater progress. They are actively working on the transition to electric vehicles, the Green Corridor Feasibility Study, and the Sound Insulation Repair and Replacement Pilot Programme. By the end of 2024, the Port will be the world's first to provide shore power at three cruise berths, considerably lowering emissions from docked ships.
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Source: Port of Seattle
