November 27, 2024 — The Port Authority of Guam Board of Directors has unanimously adopted Resolution No. 2024-18, formalizing the Zero-Emission and Zero Waste (ZEZW) Resiliency and Sustainability Goals developed by Jacobs and WSP USA Inc.
This monumental decision, made at the November 30, 2024, Board of Directors meeting, integrates these objectives into the sustainability framework of the 2023 Master Plan, reaffirming the Port’s commitment to environmental stewardship and operational resilience.
The ZEZW Plan, supported by a $2.41 million grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Ports Program, outlines a transformative path to reduce the Port’s carbon footprint, enhance climate resilience, and drive innovation in sustainable operations.
“Our adoption of the ZEZW goals reflects our unwavering dedication to advancing sustainability as a core pillar of the Port’s future,” said Port General Manager Rory J. Respicio. “This initiative is more than an environmental commitment—it’s a promise to our island community to prioritize long-term resilience and efficiency while aligning with regional and global sustainability strategies. We are building a legacy for the
generations to come.”
Resolution No. 2024-18 underscores the Port’s strategic priorities, including conducting a comprehensive mobile emissions inventory, updating the Net Zero Emissions Strategy, and developing a workforce equipped to embrace sustainable practices. The resolution states, “The Port is dedicated to fostering a culture of environmental responsibility through community engagement, reinforcing a shared vision for a cleaner and more sustainable Guam.”
Respicio highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts in achieving these goals. “This historic step would not have been possible without the contributions of Vice Chairperson Conchita S.N. Taitano, who brings decades of expertise in environmental policy, and the dedicated teams across the Port and its partners,” he said.
The EPA Clean Ports Program funding will also support key initiatives such as preparing a climate resiliency strategy and creating actionable plans for decarbonizing and electrifying Port operations. As the resolution emphasizes, “These efforts align with the 2023 Master Plan’s sustainability component and the ‘Look Ahead 2024’ framework, ensuring that the Port remains a model of innovation and environmental stewardship.”
General Manager Respicio concluded, “The adoption of these ambitious goals signifies a defining moment for the Port Authority of Guam under the guidance and leadership of Governor Lou Leon Guerrero, Lt. Governor Josh Tenorio and our Board of Directors. Our journey toward zero emissions and zero waste is not just a roadmap—it is our pledge to lead with purpose and vision, ensuring a sustainable future for Guam and the region.”
