Caring for the environment
Air Quality
Air quality improvement is a priority for the Port of Oakland. The Port, its partners, and stakeholders have worked together to successfully reduce Oakland Seaport sources of diesel particulate matter (DPM) by 81 percent since 2005.
With its stakeholders, the Port is developing a “2020 and Beyond Plan” (Plan) to move Seaport operations toward zero emissions. Going forward, changes in equipment, operations, fuels and infrastructure will create new opportunities for cleaner air while growing the Port’s maritime business sustainably.
Shore Power
Shore power nearly eliminates diesel emissions from vessels at dock. State regulators require that ocean carriers, regularly calling California ports, plug in 70 percent of their vessels. We are working to achieve 90 percent ship plug-ins by 2020.
Success takes: Shipowners investing about $1 million to retrofit each vessel for shore power; Port Technicians commissioning ships for plug-ins; Harbor Pilots aligning vessels to dockside electrical vaults; and Longshore Workers connecting ships to the power grid. Together, the Port and its partners will cut diesel emissions even more.
EV charging stations at OAK
Electric vehicles (EVs) are a common sight at Oakland International Airport’s (OAK) Premier parking lot. The lot has eight EV charging stations that serve up to 15 EVs. This is one example of OAK’s commitment to renewable energy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
OAK Living Wall and H2O to go
Cleaner air and a comforting environment greet Oakland International Airport travelers at the Terminal 2 security checkpoint with the addition of a Living Wall in 2018. Combined, puffy white clouds suspended from the ceiling, soothing nature sounds playing, and a 1,500-sq. ft. wall with 4,500 plants, create a more relaxing atmosphere for passengers. The greenery helps clean indoor air naturally.
Passengers can refill their reusable bottles at new hydration stations installed just past the checkpoint. The stations dispense purified drinking water to help keep travelers hydrated before and during their flight. The self-sanitizing, energy-efficient stations prevented the disposal of nearly 15,000 plastic bottles in the first week of operation.
These programs and projects demonstrate the Port’s continuing commitment to grow its business while protecting the environment for future generations.
