Pier 10 cruise terminal at the Port of Galveston obtains net zero recognition

The Pier 10 Royal Caribbean cruise terminal at the Port of Galveston has become the first in the world to receive both the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Net Zero Energy and Net Zero Carbon certifications. Awarded by the U.S. Green Building Council, these certifications acknowledge both the use of renewable sources and full offset of carbon impacts in the facility’s day-to-day operations.

The achievement builds upon the terminal’s 2023 LEED Gold certification for sustainable design and construction. It highlights years of collaboration among the Port of Galveston, Royal Caribbean Group, and SSA Marine, whose shared commitment to sustainability turned an ambitious vision into reality. Opened in 2022, the 161,450-square-foot (15,000 square-metre) terminal integrates solar power generation, high-efficiency mechanical systems, and carbon offset programs to achieve a verified net-zero balance over a 12-month period.

SSA Marine, a Green Marine participant, plans to replicate the terminal’s green infrastructure model at other ports.

Celebrating its 200th anniversary, the Port of Galveston regards its net-zero accomplishments as a landmark demonstration that economic development and environmental stewardship go hand in hand.