Green Business Network Relaunch
We’re excited to announce the revitalization of the Port’s Green Business Network (GBN)!
The GBN is a voluntary sustainability program that provides free education and resources to Port tenants committed to sustainability. Over the past year, we’ve gathered input from the San Diego Working Waterfront to shape the program’s future.
Get Involved!
To be part of the Green Business Network Relaunch:
- Attend Green Business Network events when possible
- Share your success stories so we can highlight your accomplishments
- No cost, no commitment, only benefits!
What We Heard from You
Your feedback has been invaluable in shaping the GBN relaunch. This is what we heard from the survey:
- The program must be a service, not a burden. Businesses emphasized that for the GBN to be successful, it must provide practical, low-lift support that fits within their day-to-day operations.
- Reframe “green” through a broader definition of sustainability. Rather than focusing solely on environmental impact, let's take a more expansive view of sustainability that includes financial strength, employee well-being, operational efficiency, and long-term business resilience.
- Recognition and visibility matter. Over half of survey respondents expressed interest in being publicly recognized for their sustainability efforts.
Goals for the Revitalized GBN
The refreshed program is designed to:
- Support tenants with meaningful, low-burden resources and grow participation by co-creating a program that delivers clear value through cost savings, tenant recognition, technical support, and peer learning.
- Ensure a manageable and efficient program structure for Port staff, with consistent communication and support for tenants without excessive administrative overhead or costs.
- Position both the Port and its tenants as sustainability leaders, while elevating the critical role businesses play in environmental performance and community resilience.
Together, we’re building a greener future for San Diego Bay—one that supports thriving businesses, healthier communities, and a more resilient environment.
Lunch & Learn Recap: Waste Reduction & Circular Economy
The Port hosted a Lunch & Learn of the relaunched Green Business Network, which focused on Waste Reduction & the Circular Economy. This session was taught by Republic Services, the waste and recycling provider for the Port and many Port tenants, sharing updates and opportunities to improve waste diversion.
Together, we learned how waste reduction not only benefits the environment but also supports efficiency and cost savings for businesses across the waterfront!
Green Port Month Recap & Michelle White Environmental Awardees
The Port of San Diego celebrated its 18th annual Green Port Month this September, recognizing tenant leadership, engaging the community, and sharing progress toward a cleaner, greener bay.
Michelle White Environmental Awardees
This year’s Michelle White Environmental Awards recognized outstanding contributions from across the waterfront. General Dynamics NASSCO was honored for expanding efficiency, recycling, and electrification efforts, and Jack Monger of the Industrial Environmental Association was recognized for his leadership in advancing sustainability with waterfront tenants.
Maritime Clean Air Strategy (MCAS) Checkpoint
Port staff is currently in the process of conducting community outreach for the Maritime Clean Air Strategy (MCAS) program allowing us to check in with the community and stakeholders, share progress and celebrate MCAS accomplishments, develop strategies for the next five years, gather public input to ensure the plan reflects community priorities, and maintain accountability and transparency.
The Green Business Network is proud to be part of this progress—GBN members are helping lead the way toward a healthier bay and more sustainable working waterfront.
Stay Connected & Share Your Impact
The success of the Green Business Network depends on the ideas and actions of our Working Waterfront. As we relaunch the program, we invite you to:
- Click here to be a part of this year’s Green Business Network - you’ll be added to our mailing list to receive event updates, newsletters, and other information.
- Share your sustainability accomplishments – from energy savings to waste reduction – so we can better understand your efforts and celebrate them through the GBN. Send us a note at greenport@portofsandiego.org and we’ll feature you in an upcoming newsletter and send you a Port tote bag for participating!
- Spread the word – if you know other tenants who aren’t yet involved, encourage them to join. The more businesses are engaged, the stronger our collective impact.
In the months ahead, we’ll continue to offer Lunch & Learns, opportunities to engage, and practical tools to support your work. Together, we can strengthen the working waterfront while protecting the health of San Diego Bay and our communities.
We look forward to celebrating your efforts and growing this network with you!