In 2007, Port of Seattle CEO Tay Yoshitani challenged employees to set new standards in environmental stewardship and sustainable operations and practices.

To underscore this challenge as central to the Port’s identity, a new brand was established including the now-familiar three-bar logo representing air, land and sea – with green running through the middle of everything. In 2008, new targets were set, new ideas implemented, and much more activity is underway with an eye toward achieving excellence in all three realms.

Since then, both Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and the Seaport completed significant inventories of air emissions that serve as baselines against which we measure our progress.

We have marked our results. At Sea-Tac, a new project will reduce engine emissions by providing pre-conditioned air to aircraft parked at gates. More efficient and environmentally-friendly management practices contributed to two national awards for the airport from aviation industry associations.

The Port of Seattle Commission adopted the Northwest Ports Clean Air Strategy, setting short- and long-term goals for reducing seaport-related air emissions, in cooperation with the Port of Tacoma and the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority. The Seaport also forged a new EcoPartnership with the Port of Dalian, China, and other organizations to examine things like marine terminal planning, construction management, railway transportation and oil spill response technologies.

The Port's Sustainable Asset Management Policy continues to guide facility planning, construction and management, integrating environmentally and economically sustainable development. Our comprehensive asset management program focuses on the total cost of ownership -- from construction through the useful life of the facility.

For the Port’s "Century Agenda" - a vision for the future which will be adopted as part of 100th anniversary celebrations in 2011 -- green initiatives are a core focus. To help shape the vision we’re engaging employees, customers, tenants, business interests, neighborhoods, partner agencies, civic organizations, advocacy groups and King County residents. Panel members convened in 2008 defined the guiding principles for this work, including using current environmental best practices; creating environmental partnerships; determining the best use of funds for the broadest public benefit; being accountable for outcomes; and enhancing the port’s economic competitiveness.

And in all areas, Port policies and oversight have been implemented to ensure accountability and transparency in decision-making, contracting and record-keeping.