April 17, 2024 — The Port today kicked off efforts to create The Port Sustainability Plan, ushering in a new era of excellence with a commitment to environmental sustainability and resilience.
Governor Lou Leon Guerrero emphasized the urgency of action, stating, “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.”
Lt. Governor of Guam Josh Tenorio adds, “This is a step in the right direction toward supporting our local recycling companies and building our 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 Governor Lou Leon Guerrero and Lt. Governor Josh Tenorio as well as First Gentleman Jeff Cook’s Zero Waste Task Force,” said Port General Manager Rory J. Respicio.
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.
This 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 (OLDCC), 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 today 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 (PAG) 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. “This 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. Moreover, 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 (IRA) and other grant programs. These activities are crucial in accessing funds that will modernize Port operations and align them with the goals of the USEPA IRA grant program.”
Bringing the launch to a close, Respicio adds, “As we continue to embrace the administration and our board’s vision for a sustainable Guam, we are proud to launch our efforts to establish the Port Sustainability Plan.”
Governor Leon Guerrero also took time to recognize the board, management and employees of the Port Authority of Guam for their environmental sustainability efforts stating, “I want to thank them for their aggressive drive to make this happen for the
port.”
The Port Sustainability Plan is a part of the Port’s 2024 Look Ahead, a plan that details a comprehensive strategy to improve our Port’s capabilities, aligning with the Governor and Lt. 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. A copy of the 2024 Look Ahead can be found on the agency’s website at https://www.portofguam.com/sites/default/files/layout_-_a_look_ahead.pdf