Report: Port of Seattle’s progress on environment, sustainability goals

The Port of Seattle plays an integral role in the fabric of our region. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and our global seaport move people and goods that we all rely on. While contributing over $47 billion to the state’s gross domestic product, the Port emphasizes conducting operations with a strong focus on environmental stewardship, community and social equity.

The Port aims to be the greenest port in North America and is taking action and making investments to achieve that goal. There are robust environmental initiatives across aviation and maritime operations and global recognition for implementing leading edge programs. The Port of Seattle does not shy away from taking on difficult environmental challenges, but achieving significant environmental change is not a linear process. It requires innovation, adaptive management, leadership, partnership, accountability and the tracking of progress over time. In its recently released Environment and Sustainability report, the Port demonstrates the progress it’s making on its long-term goals.
 

Reducing emissions, embracing renewables

In 2023, the Port hit a key milestone: By switching to renewable natural gas for both airport and seaport facilities, it achieved a 50% decrease in port-controlled emissions, seven years ahead of the 2030 goal. The Port also increased the number of electric vehicles in its fleet, totaling 31, and increased the number of EV charging stations.  

The Port's commitment to emissions reduction extends beyond internal operations. The Port is expanding shore power to its cruise terminal at Pier 66, with completion expected later this year, making the Port of Seattle the nation’s first to offer shore power at all its cruise berths. This reduces greenhouse gas emissions by allowing cruise ships to plug into clean electricity instead of relying on ship engines while docked.

The Port is also committed to supporting the development and use of sustainable transportation fuels. The Port is a key partner in the Pacific Northwest to Alaska Cruise Green Corridor, a partnership between cruise lines and ports to explore low- and zero-emissions cruise ships between Washington, British Columbia and Alaska. 

The project was formalized in 2023 and is conducting a feasibility study with Maersk Mc-Kinney Møller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping. The current feasibility study will explore green methanol production and feasibility, infrastructure requirements, vessel technology and deployment. The Port also launched a sustainable maritime fuels collaborative and is completing a waterfront clean energy and electrification strategy with Seattle City Light. 

On the aviation side, the Port completed an innovative study with King County on the use of municipal solid waste to create aviation fuel, continued participation in sustainable aviation fuel regional and national coalitions and completed a ground transportation emissions reduction strategy.
 

Protecting habitat – land and water

In 2023, the Port adopted land stewardship principles ensuring habitat protection is a core value in its operations and development projects. The Port is committed to supporting recovery for endangered Chinook salmon and Orca with ongoing investments in Duwamish River shoreline restoration and underwater noise reduction programs. The Port continues to fund research on kelp restoration, a critical component of a healthy marine ecosystem. In partnership with the Seattle Aquarium and the Puget Sound Restoration Fund, staff completed summer surveys of eight kelp sites, providing valuable data on our marine resources.

The Port also removes contaminated soil and sediments from historically contaminated land, working to restore environmental health for future generations. Environmental clean-up and long-term monitoring is ongoing at 16 historically contaminated sites. At the Duwamish River People’s Park and Shoreline Habitat, the Port found over 2,500 juvenile salmon alongside healthy marsh vegetation in its first-year monitoring after restoration.

SEA Airport and maritime parks also hold Salmon-Safe certifications, a testament to the Port’s dedication to protecting water quality and aquatic habitats.

Reducing waste

Operating a major airport and seaport inevitably generates significant waste, and the Port is working to reduce the amount it produces. The Port has a massive construction waste recycling program and has achieved a 99% recycling and reuse rate. For its municipal waste the Port diverted over 6,000 tons of waste from the landfill.

As part of its efforts to reduce waste, the Port has donated 34,836 meals to local food banks and recycled 79 tons (18,970 gallons) of cooking oil into renewable diesel and SAF in 2023. In July, the Port implemented a new requirement for all SEA Airport concessions to use reusable or certified compostable service ware.

Sustainable practices, strong communities

Building a sustainable future can’t happen without the inclusion of nearby communities it serves. That’s why the Port prioritizes business inclusion programs that empower diverse-owned businesses and fosters green job creation and economic opportunity for local organizations and residents. To this end, in 2023, the Port awarded $150,000 in environmental grants to community groups, budgeted a new position solely focused on environmental justice and supported engagement through over 60 environmental-related community events.

Looking to the future

Through a comprehensive approach that encompasses emissions reduction, habitat restoration, waste reduction, sustainable infrastructure, and community engagement, the Port is continuously building sustainability into their operations. The progress detailed in the Port of Seattle's inaugural Environment and Sustainability report illustrate the organization’s commitment to environmental stewardship and the necessary collaboration with the community, other governments and industries to build a greener and more sustainable future.