The Port Authority of Guam on April 17 kicked off efforts to create The Port Sustainability Plan.
The Port Sustainability Plan will place a strong emphasis on environmental sustainability and responsibility as its core objectives and will focus on how to preserve natural resources through zero emissions, zero-waste initiatives, a recycling enterprise zone at the port, and the use of recycled plastic to rebuild Family Beach Road as well as how the port will integrate these principles within its operational framework, a release from the Port states.
“To safeguard our island’s future, we must swiftly implement these initiatives. Our resources are finite; we cherish our land, treasure our resources, and uphold the sanctity of our oceans. This commitment is reflected through our work at the Port, the University of Guam’s Guam Green Growth initiative, and with the support of private sector companies—all united in striving for a green and sustainable Guam,” Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero said.
Lt. Gov. Josh Tenorio said it was a step in the right direction toward supporting local recycling companies and building the island’s capacity to address waste management in Guam.
“The Port Sustainability Plan will align with the unwavering commitment to minimizing our ecological footprint, mitigating environmental impacts, and championing sustainability as established by the administration of Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero and Lt. Gov. Josh Tenorio as well as First Gentleman Jeff Cook’s Zero Waste Task Force,” said Port General Manager Rory J. Respicio.
The comprehensive plan will encompass a wide array of strategies designed to enhance energy efficiency, reduce emissions, manage waste effectively, and preserve natural resources.
To further these goals, the Port successfully secured a grant of $1,450,000 from the U.S. Department of Defense Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation, enabling the commissioning of a Port Sustainability and Resiliency Study.
This collaborative effort, spearheaded by the Port’s owner agent WSP, together with its subconsultant, Jacobs Engineering Group Inc., was officially launched at Adelup with numerous stakeholders and will encompasses various critical studies.
These studies are aimed at crafting a comprehensive plan for the Port Authority of Guam that seamlessly aligns with Guam’s broader sustainability initiatives. The studies will include Zero Emissions, Zero Waste, Property Identification and Strategy Development.
“These studies will be seamlessly integrated into a single, comprehensive Port Sustainability Plan,” Respicio said.
The significant undertaking underscores the Port’s steadfast commitment to reducing carbon emissions, embracing sustainable practices, and actively participating in the preservation of Guam’s environment and marine ecosystem, he added.
By undertaking these studies and engaging in sustainability initiatives, the Port not only showcases its dedication to environmental stewardship, but also enhances its qualifications for funding from the USEPA Inflation Reduction Act and other grant programs, Respicio said.
“These activities are crucial in accessing funds that will modernize Port operations and align them with the goals of the USEPA IRA grant program,” he said.
Gov. Leon Guerrero also took time to recognize the board, management, and employees of the Port Authority of Guam for their environmental sustainability efforts.
“I want to thank them for their aggressive drive to make this happen for the port,” she said.
The Port Sustainability Plan is a part of the Port’s 2024 Look Ahead, a plan that details a comprehensive strategy to improve the port’s capabilities, aligning with the governor and lieutenant governor’s strategic framework presented in a One Guam approach to the military buildup.
This framework prioritizes Guam’s key concerns with a focus on national security.
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