The Port of Seattle Commission has voted to accelerate its emission reduction efforts by ten years and to be net-zero or better for port-owned emissions by 2040.
The port has also expanded its goal for emissions from industries operating at its facilities to be carbon neutral or better by 2050.
Recognising the urgency of action needing to be taken, the Port of Seattle has updated its greenhouse gas reduction objectives.
As part of its decarbonisation goal, the port is now participating in exploratory studies of renewable hydrogen as a future vehicle and maritime fuel source. Alongside this, the port has announced its new partnership with Seattle City Lights (SCL) and the Northwest Seaport Alliance (NWSA) to focus on waterfront electrification, and its membership in a global maritime shipping decarbonisation coalition called Getting to Zero.
“The urgency for climate action is underscored by the UN Secretary General’s recent statement that the impacts of climate change are a ‘code red for humanity,’” said Fred Felleman, President of the Port of Seattle Commission.
“The port’s actions today reflect our recognition of this urgency. Along with our partners at the NWSA, we’re making significant investments in green infrastructures, such as shore power, to enable our tenants to meet their climate goals as well. As a public port, these investments are not just the right thing to do, but they also give us a competitive advantage because businesses are increasingly seeking ways to reduce their emissions.”
The Port of Seattle has also recently approved a long-term ground lease for a portion of Terminal 106 to Trammell Crow Company (TCC), one of the US’ leading developers and investors in commercial real estate.
Announced in June 2021, the port said it will facilitate the demolition of the current warehouse on the property and the subsequent redevelopment of a 700,000 square-foot, two-storey light industrial warehouse.
