Port of Everett recognized for its environmental leadership

The Port of Everett has been distinguished for its Operational Excellence in the 2026 Environmental and Sustainability Awards presented by the Puget Sound Business Journal. The award recognizes the port’s leadership in advancing sustainable practices across all its properties, from marine terminals to public waterfront developments.

The Puget Sound Business Journal’s annual awards recognize organizations in the region that are driving measurable environmental progress through innovation, collaboration and operational leadership.

The award reflects the port’s belief that environmental stewardship is a shared responsibility and a practical necessity. This core belief guides the port’s mission and long-term strategies aimed at fostering positive economic, environmental and community outcomes.

Examples of the port’s sustainability efforts include:

• Remediation and revitalization of more than 250 acres (101 hectares) of waterfront properties affected by historic industrial activities, transforming these lands into assets that benefit the community and the environment.
• Implementation of the Decarbonization Analytics for Port Equipment (DAPE) program, a real-time emissions monitoring and analytics platform that facilitates targeted operational improvements.
• Restoration of 353 acres (143 hectares) of the Snohomish River estuary through the Blue Heron Slough Restoration project, improving salmon habitat, water quality, and greenhouse gas capture.
• Installation of biofiltration and treatment systems using chitosan, a natural shell‑derived biopolymer, at marine terminals to reduce pollutants entering local waterways.
• Participation in the Puget Sound Maritime Emissions Inventory, which documented reductions in carbon dioxide emissions per ton of cargo despite increased trade volumes.
• Integration of climate considerations into future planning through the structured Climate Change Strategy addressing climate challenges unique to the port.

Building on these efforts, the Port of Everett is continuing to advance projects aimed at further reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving efficiency throughout its operations. Current work includes plans to electrify marine terminals with construction expected to begin later this year, as well as investments in lower- and zero-emission cargo-handling equipment.

_{Photo: Port of Everett}