First Port with Renewable Electricity

For nearly 25 years, Port Houston has been the nation’s top port for energy and petrochemical cargo. Starting in 2002, we were the first port authority in the U.S. to achieve an ISO 14001 certification for our environmental management system. Nearly two decades ago, we were already a leader, putting sustainability framework into place, demonstrating that our team was looking not only at our obligations as a port operator, but at what our opportunities were to go beyond the requirements.

This year, Port Houston was the first port authority in the world to choose 100% renewable electricity for the public facilities that we operate. We entered into a 10-year renewable electricity contract where all the terminals that we operate receive electricity from a brand-new solar farm in West Texas. This will lower Port Houston’s carbon footprint by about 25,000 tons each year and save around $250,000 each year.
In relation to renewable electricity, the port has also implemented a CO2 Reduction Program. The greatest part of the CO2 reduction comes from the renewable electricity contract, and the other CO2 reductions comes from efforts such as replacing all high-mast lighting with LEDs, purchasing new hybrid RTG cranes, and, potentially, from installing high-tech building energy management systems.

Not only is Port Houston going all-in on renewable electricity, but it also plays a vital role in wind energy. Texas ranks number one in the nation for wind projects and much of the wind energy components are imported through Port Houston. In fact, this year alone more than 19,000 short tons of wind power equipment have arrived through our docks.

Sustainability for the Future

In between the two milestones Port Houston hit in 2002 and 2020, we have also made several other moves toward sustainability. In fact, the port has reduced its carbon footprint by 55% since 2016 and is on target to reach 70% by 2040. Our environmental leadership strategy has short-term goals like tracking port-generated emissions and long-term aspirational goals like zero-emission ship docking and a 90% reduction of greenhouse gas pollution. Moreover, we are updating the Clean Air Strategy Plan that will formally identify specific actions to reduce emissions from maritime and associated transportation sources at our facilities.

In terms of equipment, Port Houston has continued to stay ahead of the curve by employing new environmental innovations. We’ve committed to purchasing diesel-electric hybrid RTG cranes emitting over 80% less emissions as compared to diesel-only counterparts. In addition, there are a total of nearly 30 electric ship-to-shore cranes across the various Port Houston terminals to reduce our emissions.

But the innovations don’t stop there. Soon Port Houston will be the first port in Texas to use an electric terminal tractor to move containers around Bayport and Barbours Cut terminals. We also recently purchased five new electric vehicles aimed at potentially overhauling our light-duty fleet over the next 10 or so years. Furthermore, we’ve purchased the first “waste shark” drone to help clean up to 350 pounds of litter daily in the Houston Ship Channel and gather data on the water quality.

For the continued concentration on environmental strategies, Port Houston was even a finalist in three categories at the 2020 G&P Global Platts Global Energy Awards. This is a true accomplishment and reflects the progress of Port Houston in its environmental leadership . Everyone at Port Houston is committed to acting now and moving the organization toward a future with increased sustainability and renewable electricity.

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Representatives from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality in Austin visited Port Houston to discuss efforts to further reduce seaport and rail yard emissions Oct. 24.

Port Houston staff shared updates on the port’s air quality programs such as the goods movement emission inventory, the clean air strategy plan and the truck drayage loan program.

The Greater Houston Port Bureau also attended, as the trade organization represents a large number of private and public companies along the Houston Ship Channel.

TCEQ officials noted that Houston is a major focus when the organization considers environmental initiatives due to the city’s large population and many petrochemical businesses among other factors.

Port Houston is the local sponsor for the federal Houston Ship Channel and is responsible for maintaining the waterway through dredging projects.  

Trucking companies and cargo-handling equipment dealerships as well as fleet owners later joined the discussion to learn firsthand about the Commission’s emissions reduction plans and opportunities, including program applications and requirements.

TCEQ officials also received a tour of the Bayport Container Terminal and a Port of Houston fireboat tour along the waterway to view current port dredging activities.

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Port Houston is expanding its energy efficiency program to save money on energy expenses. Initially limited to the Executive Building, the program is being expanded to other Port Houston facilities and terminals.

From lighting and air conditioning to electrical cargo handling equipment, the port will save a significant amount of money by using products that are eco-friendly and use less power and omit a certain amount of emissions.  

In 2018, the Port Commission of the Port of Houston Authority approved the purchase of LED lighting for the port’s two container terminals through the U.S. Communities Government Purchase Alliance.

The initiative that is focused on air conditioning is expected to reap considerable dividends over time.

The port will reduce electricity demand by saving up to a million kilowatt hours every year with the new building management system it is planning, which will be an 18-month process of renovations. The building automation system is a set encompassing system that can control everything related to building energy load in one place.

It is now a port-wide mission to use only LED light bulbs.

“The port is committed to becoming a more efficient entity particularly pertaining to energy.  These initiatives prove to be good for business and good for the environment,” said Trae Camble, director of environmental affairs for Port Houston.

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