A Sustainable Port

PortMiami is surrounded by a natural environment that includes sea grass and marine life, along with a vibrant downtown with both commercial and residential neighborhoods. Our mission is to operate the State's top container port and world's leading cruise port in a way that supports sustainability.

PortMiami is committed to adopting policies that support sustainability and ensure earth-friendly operations. The Port's goal to provide sustainable services by carefully balancing environmental, social, and economic factors has led to its Green Ports program.

PortMiami is designated as a "clean port," and only handles containerized break bulk. Cargo shipments are limited to containerized and roll on/off cargo, representing little threat to Biscayne Bay and surrounding ecosystems.

In 2012, the Port completed three major re-roofing projects, installing white, reflective roofing material geared toward reducing energy usage at the Port by 20 percent, in line with the Green and Sustainability Initiative. Energy-efficient practices maintained throughout PortMiami include:

• Replacement of major A/C systems with Energy-Star rated systems
• Installation of motion sensor controlled lights (turning off lights when rooms are vacant)
• Reduction of water consumption through the installation of low-flow water usage plumbing fixtures
• Utilization of recycled materials

A series of emission reduction initiatives has been accomplished at the Port, ranging from the completion of the Cargo Gantry Crane Electrification project, to the installation of new electronic security gates - which reduce truck idling times - to using B-5 biodiesel fuel with a sulfur content of 15 parts per million -- well ahead of EPA's mandate. Through federal grants and in conjunction with our Port Partners, this program continues to reduce air and diesel emissions associated with cargo equipment and day-to-day operations.

Related news:

• Seaboard Marine Seaboard Marine Adopts Emissions Reducing Program

In 2012, PortMiami relocated over 175 corals to the designated Coral Habitat Area located on the northeast corner of the Port. This is the third successful coral relocation project conducted by the Port. The monitoring of more than 40 acres of mangrove restoration at Oleta River State Park -- an ideal habitat for birds and aquatic species -- continues with a 100 percent success rate. PortMiami closely coordinates construction work at the Port to ensure trees are relocated (including over 150 trees from the Tunnel Project) to beautify the environment for our visitors and residents, and provide cooling shade, stormwater retention, and carbon sequestration.

New structures are certified to at least the "Silver Level" under the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System developed by the U.S. Green Building Council, and all building interior and exterior rehabilitation work includes "LEED" elements per the Port's newly established design guidelines.