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The Seattle Port Commission has said that it will put out a call for community members to advise the port on policies to increase energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, as the port unveils a five-year plan to protect and enhance the environment.

The Energy and Sustainability Policy Committee will include advisors from diverse sectors of the community, including business, environmental justice, maritime, aviation, construction and government.

The Committee is develop and propose to the Commission policy directives that will guide future port operations, with a focus on innovative energy efficiency and alternative energy generation proposals. Committee members are expected to meet monthly, beginning in June.

The Port of Seattle is due to also unveil what is describes as "ambitious environmental goals" at its next Commission meeting on April 27. The environmental plan is said to outline a number of strategies, including several focused on reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Earlier this year, in January, the Port of Seattle Commission voted to establish the Energy and Sustainability Policy Committee, which will act to develop and propose new environmental initiatives across the organization.

The US port has implemented a number of initiatives to cut emissions, including the adoption of the Northwest Ports Clean Air Strategy, which has a goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 20 percent per tonne of cargo moved through the Seaport by 2020.

Earlier this month, the port presented its sixth annual Green Gateway Partners Awards, which recognize the environmental achievements of the port's maritime operators. This year's award winners were Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean International, Princess Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Holland America Line, who were all recognized for their fuel efficiency measures.

"The port has an organization-wide goal to be the greenest and most energy-efficient port in North America," the Port of Seattle said today.