Sustainability
Environmental sustainability is a priority for the Port of New Orleans and the Louisiana International Terminal project. The Port participates in various environmental protection programs beyond what is required by state or federal laws.
Envision: A Voluntary Sustainability Framework
The terminal operators have agreed to participate in Envision, an industry-leading, voluntary sustainability program. Envision is a program through the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure that rates the sustainability of a project’s design, construction, and operation. The program will help ensure the terminal remains a good steward of the community and environment.
STEP 1: Port NOLA submits the Louisiana International Terminal for an Envision certification.
STEP 2: The Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure conducts a thorough, third-party review of the project’s design and
construction.
Click or tap the topics below to see how Envision will measure our performance.
Considers impacts on the health and wellness of nearby communities. This could include:
- Enhancing public health and safety
- Minimizing construction impacts
- Advancing equity and social justice
- Preserving cultural resources
- Enhancing public space and amenities
Considers impacts to local ecosystems. This includes:
- Managing stormwater
- Enhancing surface and groundwater quality
- Enhancing wetland and surface water functions
- Controlling invasive species
- Protecting soil health
Considers the amount of emissions the project contributes and the longevity of the project. This includes:
- Reducing air pollutant emissions
- Reducing greenhouse gas emissions
- Maximizing resilience
Considers the efficient use of resources, such as materials, energy, water, etc. This includes:
- Reducing waste
- Using renewable energy
- Reducing energy consumption
- Reducing water consumption
- Monitoring water systems
Considers how Port NOLA demonstrates leadership in sustaining human and natural environments through this project. This includes:
- Establishing a sustainability management plan
- Developing a sustainable project for the community
- Stimulating economic development
- Helping the local workforce grow and develop
STEP 3: If project gets a high enough rating, the Louisiana International Terminal becomes Envision certified. The terminal must remain a good steward of the community and the environment to keep its certification.
Sustainability Efforts
As we develop the Louisiana International Terminal, Port NOLA is incorporating sustainable practices to protect local quality of life.
Click or tap below to learn more.
- Allows cargo ships to plug into electric power while at the dock, minimizing the need to run engines while at berth.
- Up to 98% potential reduction in emissions from ships at berth.
*Source: United States Environmental Protection Agency, Shore Power Technology Assessment at U.S. Ports, March 2017
- Involves transporting containers on barges (versus trucks) through inland waterways.
- In 2019* this reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 9,400 tons and decreased fuel use by 800,000 gallons.
*Based on 2019 data moving about 42,000 containers on barge vs. truck between New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and Memphis.
- Reduces air emissions, fuel use, and equipment noise.
- We are working with terminal operators to explore options for low-emissions equipment and vehicles on the terminal.
Green Marine is a voluntary, maritime environmental certification that measures improvements annually across categories, such as:
- Environmental Leadership
- Greenhouse Gas Emissions
- Spill Prevention & Stormwater Management
- Community Impacts
- The Clean Truck Replacement Incentive Program (TRIP) is available for St. Bernard Parish truck owners.
- Port NOLA has replaced 123 trucks to date.
- It provides grants up to $35,000 to replace older vehicles.
- Over 90% reduction in small particulate matter and nitrogen oxide pollution for repaired trucks.