SEATTLE – The Port of Seattle released its 2024 Environment and Sustainability Report today, reflecting another year of progress toward becoming North America's greenest, most energy-efficient port. The report provides transparency into the Port’s climate actions, environmental investments, and community-focused programs.
Building on a strong foundation of environmental leadership, the Port in 2024 achieved several notable firsts, setting new standards nationally, such as becoming the first port to require shore power connections for cruise ships and removing PFAS foam at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA). Last year also brought new waste reduction requirements at the airport, saw the launch of a pilot program to improve sound insulation in neighboring communities, and continued progress restoring habitats along the Duwamish River.
The Port’s commitment to sustainability spans the region’s aviation and maritime sectors. Each year, the report tracks long-term environmental performance, providing measurable data aligned with the Port’s Century Agenda goals and its role in advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
“With more businesses looking to meet their own pollution reduction goals, the Port of Seattle’s commitment to sustainability has become a competitive advantage in trade and travel,” said Port of Seattle Commissioner Fred Felleman. “For example, all three of our cruise ship terminals now have shore power, a significant accomplishment that resulted in the reduction of nearly 4,000 tons of carbon emissions last year. “
“Another significant accomplishment of our environmental programs is that six construction projects are now targeting environmental certification under the sustainable evaluation framework,” continued Commissioner Felleman. “This isn’t just about the environment — it also reduces our impacts on near-port communities.”
"We’ve earned our reputation as a port of firsts by turning commitments into measurable progress," said Sandra Kilroy, Senior Director of Environment and Sustainability. "From strategies to decrease fossil fuel use to cleaning up legacy contamination and restoring habitat, we’re setting and maintaining a high standard for sustainable operations.”
Building Momentum — 2024 Highlights
From waste reduction and restoring kelp beds to investing in clean-energy careers, the Port advanced dozens of key initiatives in 2024. Highlights include:
Climate and Clean Energy
- Verified Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory through The Climate Registry, providing trusted third-party verification of our work
- Became the first port to require shore power use by homeport cruise vessels starting in 2027
- Completed the Pier 66 shore power project, which achieves our goal of providing clean shore power at all cruise berths
- Decreased emissions from aircraft auxiliary power units by 15% compared to 2023 — the lowest since 2018 (excluding 2020)
Land Stewardship and Habitat
- Adopted the SEA Land Stewardship Plan and Tree Replacement Standards
- Restored shoreline and kelp beds and planted 2,444 trees and shrubs
- Sold 500 habitat mitigation banking credits — unlocking critical environmental value — a first for a Washington port
- Maintained Salmon-Safe certification for maritime parks
Clean Up and Innovation
- Became the first U.S. airport to use a specialized cleaning technology to safely transition away from PFAS-containing firefighting foam — 3,795 gallons removed from SEA Airport
- Advanced site cleanups and tested innovative soil treatment at multiple locations, including Terminal 25 and Terminal 91
Waste, Water, and Circular Economy
- SEA Airport diverted 49% of waste away from landfills; maritime facilities diverted 58.6%; both increased toward the Port-wide goal of 60%
- Implemented new SEA dining and retail waste requirements for 100% compostable and reusable service ware throughout the airport, boosting compostable waste diversion by 14% within a few months
- Met all seaport stormwater permit requirements and protected water quality through enhanced management
Community Engagement and Equity
- Hosted or participated in over 75 community stewardship and learning events
- Launched a Sound Insulation Repair and Replacement Pilot Program; assessed and improved homes, apartment buildings, and community sites
- Awarded $226,631 to six organizations through the South King County Community Impact Fund
- Funded clean energy and environmental pre-apprenticeship training and placement for local community members
A Strategy for Long-Term Transformation
The Port’s sustainability framework aligns with the Century Agenda, a 25-year strategic plan adopted in 2012. The 2024 report tracks environmental goals including:
- Meeting increased energy needs through conservation and renewables
- Meeting or exceeding stormwater permit requirements at Port facilities
- Reducing air pollutants and carbon emissions across operations
- Restoring 40 acres of habitat in the Green/Duwamish Watershed
The Port is committed to publishing this annual report as part of its culture of transparency and accountability. Public access to environmental data is essential to fostering trust in the service of climate resilience and community health.
Read the full 2024 Environment and Sustainability Report.
Contact
Chris Guizlo | Port of Seattle Media Officer
[email protected]
