Port Houston recently announced its goal to be carbon neutral in the next 30 years. Port officials report that their strategy to achieve a net-zero greenhouse gas footprint within three decades includes upgrading technology, improving infrastructure and equipment, and utilizing alternative fuels and clean energy sources.
“Our goal is ambitious, but we must be practical in how we achieve it,” Port Houston Executive Director Roger Guenther said. “The choices we make will be good for the environment and also good for the economy and the millions of people who rely on the Houston Ship Channel and Port Houston for their jobs. As with most ambitious goals, we cannot do it alone. Collaboration and partnership will be keys to our success.”
Over the next three years, the port plans to install smart lighting at its facilities, improve gate efficiencies, improve navigation efficiencies, and create 800 acres of new wildlife habitat. As part of the carbon neutrality action plan, Port Houston is also working toward eventually eliminating dockside emissions, transitioning trucks to low- or no-emissions vehicles, and helping implement green shipping corridors as well as green marine and road fuels. Port Houston also recently launched a Sustainability Action Plan that includes additional sustainability initiatives.
Port Houston reduced its carbon footprint by 55% from 2016 to 2021 and studies showed a 21% reduction in carbon footprint from 2013 to 2019 by Port Houston and the other varied operators who utilize the Channel.