Green Port Program Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the Green Port Program?
• How is the Green Port Program different from the Green Port Policy?
• Does the Green Port Program involve just the Port, or waterfront businesses and the community, too?
• Why did the Port develop the Green Port Program?
• Are natural resources and wildlife programs part of the Green Port Program?
• Who oversees the Green Port Program?
• How are projects selected for the Green Port Program?
• How is the Green Port Program different from the Clean Air Program?

 

What is the Green Port Program?

The Green Port Program is an umbrella program designed to achieve the Port’s environmental sustainability goals in six key areas: water, energy, air, waste management, sustainable development and sustainable business practices.  It was established in early 2008 to achieve the objectives outlined in the Port’s Green Port Policy.  The Green Port Program both continues the Port’s existing environmental efforts and expands these efforts through new programs and initiatives.

TOP

How is the Green Port Program different from the Green Port Policy?

The Board of Port Commissioners adopted the Green Port Policy in 2007.  This policy establishes guiding principles to achieve long-term environmental, societal and economic benefits through resource conservation, waste reduction and pollution prevention.  The policy provides the overall framework for the Green Port Program.  Specific initiatives are being developed within the Green Port Program to accomplish the objectives outlined in the policy.

TOP

 

 

Does the Green Port Program involve just the Port, or waterfront businesses and the community, too?

Right now, the Green Port Program primarily focuses on things the Port can do to be more environmentally sustainable, such as using less water and being more energy efficient in its own operations.  In the future, the Port will work with its tenants (businesses that lease bay front land from the Port), local environmental groups and others around San Diego Bay to identify ways they can support the Green Port Program.

TOP

 

Why did the Port develop the Green Port Program?

The Port created the Green Port Program to enhance its role as an environmental steward of San Diego Bay.  The Green Port Program provides a structure for establishing goals and tracking progress on its many environmental initiatives.  The Green Port Program will enhance many of the ongoing environmental efforts undertaken by the Port, as well as establish new initiatives.

TOP

 

 

Are natural resources and wildlife programs part of the Green Port Program?

For now, the Port has included six areas of focus in the Green Port Program:  water, energy, air, waste management, sustainable business practices, and sustainable development.  The Port of San Diego is actively working on the conservation of San Diego Bay's natural resources, such as salt marsh and tidal flats, bird nesting and foraging sites, essential fish habitats such as eelgrass beds, and nine federal and state listed endangered or threatened species.  The Port’s natural resources programs include the promotion of ecologically minded development decisions, furthering public awareness, the management of sensitive habitats and invasive species, and support of related scientific research.  Although these initiatives are not currently part of the Green Port Program, they are part of the Port’s overall Environmental Services Department, which manages all of the Port’s environmental initiatives.

• Visit the Natural Resources page.

TOP

 

Who oversees the Green Port Program?

The Green Port Program Steering Committee includes representatives from a variety of departments throughout the Port and is responsible for overseeing decisions related to the Green Port Program. The Steering Committee is chaired by staff from the Environmental Services Department who manage and coordinate the Green Port Program. The Committee provides overall guidance to the Green Port Program by identifying priorities and projects, measuring and assessing projects, and communicating the Port’s progress to staff and the public.

TOP

 

 

How are projects selected for the Green Port Program?

Projects selected for the Green Port Program must benefit the environment, fall into at least one of the six areas of focus (water, energy, air, waste management, sustainable business practices, and sustainable development), and be above and beyond compliance.  If these minimum requirements are met, projects are then evaluated by an additional set of criteria, including environmental, economic, and societal benefits of the project, cost, educational value, and measurability.  After evaluation, project recommendations are presented to the Green Port Program Steering Committee for approval.

TOP

 

 

How is the Green Port Program different from the Clean Air Program?

Air is one of six key areas addressed by the Green Port Program.  The Clean Air Program is part of the overarching Green Port Program and focuses on initiatives to reduce air pollution from Port operations.

TOP