Port of Hueneme, California - The American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) awarded the Port of Hueneme the high accolade “2018 Comprehensive Environmental Management Award” at this month’s annual AAPA Energy and Environment Seminar in Jersey City, NJ. The Port was selected for its development and execution of a comprehensive plan that seeks to enhance the environment through sustainable, efficient, and green port operations.

“It is a great honor to have our Port selected for this award and be recognized for the meaningful work taking place at the Port of Hueneme,” said Oxnard Harbor District President Mary Anne Rooney. “Six years ago, we adopted an Environmental Management Framework to guide our master planning and daily operations, and we are seeing year over year improvements for our environment and community as a result.”

The Port’s application earned the top spot through receiving high scores in all six categories including:

  • Level and nature of benefits to environmental quality, beautification or community involvement.
  • Level of independent involvement and effort by the port.
  • The creativity of the solution or program.
  • Whether the project results are apparent (the project must be complete through some beneficial increment).
  • The cost effectiveness of the activity or the program.
  • The transferability of the technology or idea to the port industry.

In 2012, the Port voted its Environmental Management Framework adopting strategic action plans in the areas of air quality, marine resources, soil & sediment, water quality, energy management, and climate change adaptation.

This robust framework led to the implementation of cutting edge and innovative projects including: the electrification of docks for ships to plug in while unloading cargo, the installation of LED and neighborhood friendly lighting structures, and the use of new storm water systems to protect ocean and marine life. In addition, the Port received grants for clean and renewable energy-using propane vehicles and EV charging stations at its facilities for public use. The Port recently embarked on a joint clean air plan with the local Ventura County Air Pollution Control District (VCAPCD) to make meaningful improvements to the local air quality.

The Port’s application specifically highlighted the management of their Green Marine Certification, specifically the continual monitoring and reporting of environmental projects and initiatives. This certification is much like an energy star rating, but for ports to earn a third party validation of their green practices. “The Port is leading the industry in sustainably-integrated seaport management,” said Oxnard Harbor District Commissioner Jason Hodge. “Our year over year environmental improvements prove that we not only talk the talk, but walk the walk as well.” The Port has demonstrated these annual improvements through self-evaluation guides, accredited and externally verified results, and publication of those results.

To maintain the Green Marine Certification, the Port’s environmental management is annually assessed across six categories including: invasive species, greenhouse gas (GHG) and air pollutants, spill prevention, community impacts, environmental leadership, and waste management. The Port has demonstrated year over year improvements in these categories, and was re-certified for the second year in a row.

“We take our commitment to sustainable growth seriously at the Port,” said Kristin Decas, CEO & Port Director. “Our focus is on growing the Port in an environmental conscious way, providing green jobs and social good for our community.”