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Green Port: A Year in Review

Thursday, 05 February 2009

The Environmental Services Department has released a Green Port Year in Review 2008 of the Port’s Green Port Program. The program began in 2007 and seeks effective ways to minimize the environmental impact of Port operations. The Port’s vehicle fleet has gone green with the acquisition of 11 hybrid Ford Escapes, alternative energy technology will be incorporated into the Broadway Pier cruise terminal development, and recent grants have provided $4.9 million to provide shore power infrastructure for cruise and cargo ships.

From the 2008 Green Port Review document:

"In December 2007 the Board of Port Commissioners adopted the Green Port Policy, setting the framework for the development of the Green Port Program. 2008 was the first year of the Green Port Program, which unifies the Port’s environmental sustainability goals in six key areas. As part of the Green Port Program, the Port sets longterm goals and evaluates progress annually. The Green Port Program continues the Port’s existing environmental efforts and expands these efforts through new programs and initiatives. We are proud to report that, during the first year of the Green Port Program, we were able to meet most of our 2008 objectives. This new program generated a great deal of interest and enthusiasm among Port staff, as evidenced by participation in Green Port events. A few challenges did arise, including some projects that we were unable to complete within the span of one year, and others that were limited by staff, budget, space, or infrastructure. However, the successes for 2008 far outweighed the obstacles. The Port continues to seek effective ways to minimize the environmental impact of its operations and will use lessons learned as an opportunity for improvement and growth. The 2008 objectives focused primarily on internal Port operations, with considerable progress made on projects that support these objectives. This report provides an overview of the Port’s progress on the 2008 initiatives to conserve resources, reduce waste, and prevent pollution."

Two of the sample successes of the program:

Energy Goal: Incorporate alternative energy technology into the Broadway Pier development.

• The Port is partnering with SDG&E on a dual photovoltaic system for the Broadway Pier development, which will include a 30 kW system owned by the Port and a 30 kW system owned by SDG&E. The Port’s system will provide renewable energy directly to the facility and is designed to provide 12-15% of the building’s total energy load. The SDG&E system will be connected to the utility grid, providing 30kW of renewable energy to the community.

Air Goal: Begin implementation of the Clean Air Program.

• The Port received $4.9 million from two grants to provide shore power infrastructure. The infrastructure at the Cruise Ship Terminal is expected to be in place by May 31, 2010; infrastructure for cargo ships is anticipated by January 2012.
• A feasibility study to assess shore power at National City Marine Terminal is expected to be complete in early 2009.
• A voluntary Vessel Speed Reduction Program has been developed and is expected to begin implementation in early 2009.
• A voluntary Clean Truck Program has been developed and is being administered by the San Diego Air Pollution Control District.
• A strategy for the retrofit or replacement of cargo handling equipment is in development and is expected to begin implementation in 2009.