Port of San Diego Celebrates 18th Annual Green Port Month

The Port of San Diego is celebrating Green Port Month throughout September by highlighting the progress, projects and people supporting the Port's environmental initiatives. Since 2008, the Port has recognized September as Green Port Month to help champion the safekeeping and care of San Diego Bay and bring awareness to the many collaborative and innovative programs helping create a sustainable waterfront.

"Green Port Month is an opportunity for us to recognize our environmental accomplishments and reaffirm our commitment in safekeeping a healthy San Diego Bay and waterfront," said Chair Danielle Moore, Port of San Diego Board of Port Commissioners. "Our progress toward a sustainable future is not possible without the dedication and environmental stewardship of our employees, tenants and partners. We're grateful for all who help contribute and serve as champions for our treasured San Diego Bay."

Michelle White Environmental Awards

During the Board of Port Commissioners meeting on September 9, select staff, tenants and community members were recognized as awardees for the Michelle White Environmental Awards. The Michelle White Environmental Awards were created in 2016 to help honor the legacy of Port employee and environmental champion, Michelle White. The annual awards spotlight Port staff, tenants and partners who helped advance the Port's environmental initiatives this past year. This year's awardees include:

Port Staff:

• Miguel Sanchez, Field Operations - For his contributions in identifying and responding to energy efficiency opportunities at Port buildings and collaborating with internal teams to implement projects leading to energy savings.

• Robert Dinkel, Information Technology - For designing, building and implementing a Truck Tracker application used at the Port's cargo terminals.

• Jose Centeno, Field Operations - For his dedication and contributions to protecting the Port tidelands and upholding environmental compliance standards through collaboration with the Port's Field Operations and Environmental Protection teams.

Port Tenant:

• General Dynamics NASSCO - For their collective efforts to implement energy efficiency measures, recycle waste materials, and electrify vehicles. They have also been a valued participant of the Port's Environmental Advisory Committee and Green Business Network for many years as well as staying actively involved in various stakeholder groups supporting the waterfront.

Community Leader:

• Jack Monger, Industrial Environmental Association - For collaborating with industrial working waterfront tenants on environmental regulations, advocating for sustainability within industrial businesses, and serving as a valuable member of the Port's Environmental Advisory Committee.

Green Port Year in Review & Maritime Clean Air Strategy (MCAS) Highlights Report

The September Board meeting also marked the release of the Port's annual Green Port Year in Review and MCAS Highlights Report. The Green Port Year in Review is a recap of the Port's green initiatives from the past year including environmental conservation programs, water and land use planning, and advancements in the Port's Blue Economy Incubator projects. The MCAS Highlights Report showcases progress made in implementing the Port's Maritime Clean Air Strategy, which aims to improve air quality by reducing harmful pollution and supporting efficient and modern maritime operations. As of July 2025, approximately 80 percent of MCAS objectives have been implemented, and the Port and its partners have invested or committed an estimated $227 million to electrification and efficiency projects.

Additional Green Port Month Activities

In addition to celebrating the environmental achievements from the past year, Port staff participate in several events throughout the month to help promote sustainable best practices. This includes an e-waste collection event, employee thrift shop, and a service day where employees from across the Port help clean up the waterfront.