San Diego ‘green’ funding

The funding will provide environmental education to more than 21,000 students within the area through programmes from six organisations including I Love a Clean San Diego, The Ocean Foundation, Groundwork San Diego-Chollas Creek, San Diego Coastkeeper, Ocean Discovery Institute, and Living Coast Discovery Center.

Proposals from these organisations were received in response to a request for proposals (RFP) that was issued by the port in October 2014. The RFP stated that the programmes are to focus on San Diego Bay and its natural resources, endangered species, pollution prevention, energy and water conservation, improvements to sediment and water quality, habitat restoration, and stormwater and watershed protection.

Adding to its commitment to environmental stewardship, the port is using smart technology to analyse energy use patterns throughout the facility, identify abnormalities and adjust accordingly, which is expected to result in energy savings, cost savings and reduced GHG emissions.

A port spokesperson told Greenport that in 2014 the port significantly reduced greenhouse gas emissions and other air pollutants from its operations through its Green Port programme. This included an emphasis on its Green Business Network, engaging businesses in its jurisdiction to increase their sustainability. It also increased its own efforts, completing energy retrofits and replacing turf with waterwise landscaping.

“We are already ahead of schedule with the Climate Action Plan and have reduced approximately 56,000 metric tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions – more than 50% of our goal for 2020,” the spokesperson told GP. “For 2015, the port will with this work. In addition to looking for grant funding to support conversion of the diesel fleet to alternative fuel sources, the Board of Port Commissioners will also be considering adoption of a sustainable leasing policy. If adopted, this policy would ensure sustainability is embedded in how the port does business.”

San Diego was among one of the first ports in the US to adopt a Climate Action Plan (CAP) in 2013, which provides a long-term strategic vision for the Green Port Programme and calls for 10% reductions of all greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2020 and 25% by 2035, compared to figures from 2006.