Port of San Diego Recognized for Environmental Excellence at Downtown San Diego Partnership’s Create the Future Awards
Contact: Kelley Lieberman, 619.643.0154, klieberman@portofsandiego.org
The Port of San Diego proudly accepted the Grow Urban Sustainability Award as part of the Downtown San Diego Partnership’s Create the Future Awards on March 13, 2025.
The Create the Future Awards program recognizes the people, projects, and initiatives driving the bright future of downtown San Diego. Specifically, the Grow Urban Sustainability Award recognizes the Port’s leadership in sustainability and environmental stewardship. The award is presented to a project or organization that is leading by example in its commitment to environmental excellence, initiatives that support sustainability, or add green spaces in downtown San Diego. During the awards ceremony, the Port also received special recognition from the City of San Diego and San Diego County.
“The Port of San Diego is proud to receive the Grow Urban Sustainability Award for our dedication to sustainability and to supporting the environmental health of our urban waterfront along San Diego Bay,” said Chair Danielle Moore, Port of San Diego Board of Port Commissioners. “Since our first annual Green Port Month in 2008, the Port has made incredible investments in enhancing green spaces and improving air and water quality through programs such as our Maritime Clean Air Strategy, our Blue Economy Incubator, and our efforts to reduce stormwater pollution and protect the bay’s marine life and ecosystems."
The Port’s Maritime Clean Air Strategy (MCAS) helps identify future projects and initiatives to improve environmental and public health through cleaner air for all, while also supporting sustainable maritime operations. Since its adoption in 2021, the Port has implemented two-thirds of the strategies outlined in the plan, resulting in significant improvements to air quality in downtown San Diego and other tidelands communities.
The Port’s Blue Economy Incubator (BEI) serves as a launchpad for Port-related sustainable aquaculture and blue technology ventures. Through the BEI’s portfolio of businesses and partnerships, the Port supports innovation and advances initiatives in coastal resilience, restoration, maritime decarbonization, and environmental protection.
The Port’s bay-wide cleanup efforts include removal of derelict and abandoned vessels, diverting waste from landfills, removal of debris from both avian nesting sites and wetland habitats, and maintaining trash capture devices.
The Port is also ranked in the top ten percent of North American ports in the Green Marine program, North America’s largest voluntary environmental certification program for the maritime industry. As a program participant, the Port demonstrates its commitment to continually reducing its environmental footprint. The Port first enrolled in Green Marine in 2018 and has achieved annual certification since.
This year’s Grow Urban Sustainability Award was sponsored by Republic Services, and Republic Services’ General Manager Neil Mohr presented Port Chair Danielle Moore and Port staff with the award at the awards ceremony on March 13. The Port was also a Community Supporter Sponsor for this year’s Create the Future Awards program.
About THE Port of San Diego
The Port of San Diego serves the people of California as a specially created district, balancing multiple uses on 34 miles along San Diego Bay spanning five cities. Collecting no tax dollars, the Port manages a diverse portfolio to generate revenues that support vital public services and amenities.
The Port champions Maritime, Waterfront Development, Public Safety, Experiences and Environment, all focused on enriching the relationship people and businesses have with our dynamic waterfront. From cargo and cruise terminals to hotels and restaurants, from marinas to museums, from 22 public parks to countless events, the Port contributes to the region’s prosperity and remarkable way of life on a daily basis.
ABOUT PORT OF SAN DIEGO ENVIRONMENT
Port of San Diego Environment champions the safekeeping and environmental care of our diverse ecosystems. Year after year, environmental goals are set and measured to evolve environmental initiatives – ensuring San Diego Bay remains a vibrant resource and contributes to a remarkable way of life for visitors and residents for generations to come.