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The Port of Long Beach is celebrating five years of its Green Port Policy since the program was launched at the end of January 2005.

In the five years since the policy’s guiding principles were set down, the port and its partners have amassed a record of environmental accomplishments expected to grow as the port continues to work to protect the community and wildlife from the environmental effects of its operations.

"We embarked upon an ambitious journey five years ago, and we’ve made a great deal of progress along the way thanks to the support of our many stakeholders," said Port Executive Director Richard D. Steinke.

“We’re embedding a culture of sustainability at the port, developing cost-saving practices and conserving resources so this can be a more prosperous, greener port now and in the future.”

The policy, approved on January 31, 2005, has led to dramatic decreases in emissions of air pollution in the goods movement industry, the protection of coastal habitats and the instilling of sustainable practices into day-to-day port operations.

The programs include:

* The San Pedro Bay Ports Clean Air Action Plan, adopted in 2006, set a goal of 45 percent air pollution by 2012. The plan addresses every machine that moves cargo in the Port, from cranes to ships to trucks. Using the latest available figures, the result so far is a 21 percent reduction in diesel pollution from 2005 to 2008.

* Shore power, which allows ships to shut down diesel engines and plug into clean electricity while at berth, is being installed. The Port’s first container berth with shore power opened in 2008, and the world’s first oil tanker berth with shore power was dedicated in 2009. By 2014, 50 percent of container ships will be required to plug in.

* The Port’s Green Flag Program has achieved more than 90 percent participation, with cargo ships voluntarily slowing down to reduce emissions within 20 to 40 miles of the Port.

"As well as a pioneer in goods movement, the port has become a trailblazing environmental steward, aggressively and creatively addressing the impacts from ships, trucks, trains, tugs, cargo-handling equipment. It’s a record the Port is proud of, and one it will continue to work to improve," the Port of Long Beach said.

The Port of Long Beach is the nation’s second largest seaport and a recognized leader in the goods movement industry worldwide. More than $120 billion in trade – about 5 million TEUs – flowed through the port in 2009. The port plans about $2.6 billion in capital improvements in the next decade.

The Green Port Policy is based on five guiding principles:

* Protect the community from harmful impacts of Port operations
* Distinguish the Port as a leader in environmental stewardship
* Promote sustainability
* Employ best available technology
* Engage and educate the community