Template revised September 22, 2016.
COMMISSION
AGENDA MEMORANDUM
Item No.
7a
BRIEFING ITEM
Date of Meeting
July 11, 2017
DATE: June 23, 2017
TO: Dave Soike, Interim Executive Director
FROM: Elizabeth Leavitt, Senior Director Environment and Sustainability
Paula Edelstein, Senior Director Human Resources
SUBJECT: Energy and Sustainability Policy Directive Resource Assessment
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
In response to Commission direction, the Environment and Sustainability Center of Expertise
(COE) and other stakeholders have estimated the 2018 needs for staff and consultant resources
to implement key components of the Energy and Sustainability Policy Directive. This
memorandum summarizes the resource effort process and results.
RESOURCE EFFORT
Background
The Port of Seattle Commission unanimously chartered the Energy and Sustainability
Committee by motion on January 26, 2016. The charter tasked the Committee to develop and
propose policy directives to support the Port’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reductions
efforts, with a focus on energy efficiency and alternative energy generation. Commissioners
Felleman and Gregoire were named as Committee Chairs.
The Chairs brought together 23 advisors from diverse sectors of our community to help
formulate the policy recommendations. The Committee organized the advisors into the
following four work groups:
(1) Regional Goals Alignment that recommended changes to the Century Agenda (since
adopted by the Commission) to align Port GHG reduction goals with those of other
regional governments;
(2) Energy Production that developed a preliminary recommended framework for
analyzing Port projects with energy implications;
(3) Energy Conservation that developed a number of specific recommendations to reduce
Port-controlled emissions, to reduce (through contracting, incentives, or other
measures) Port-influenced emissions, and to use metering to improve decision-
making; and
(4) Equity that recommended establishment of an inter-departmental team to support
Port involvement with near-Port environmental justice communities.
COMMISSION AGENDA – Briefing Item No. 7a Page 2 of 8
Meeting Date: July 11, 2017
Template revised September 22, 2016.
The Port Commission tasked the Environment and Sustainability COE with assessing the
resources and timeframes necessary to implement the policy recommendations and estimating
a 2018 budget proposal for the work.
Process
The Environment and Sustainability COE worked extensively with internal stakeholders from
across the Port to evaluate the work group recommendations. Stakeholders included members
from the COE, as well as AV Facilities & Infrastructure, AV Commercial Management, AV
Planning, Maritime and EDD Property Management, Seaport Project Management, Maritime,
Finance, Public Affairs, Legal, Engineering, and other departments. The COE consulted with
each department to identify as many relevant stakeholders as possible.
For each Energy and Sustainability recommendation, stakeholders (1) defined (at a preliminary
level) the types of efforts that would be required to respond to the work group
recommendations; (2) identified efforts for 2018; and (3) estimated staff and consultant
resource needs for the 2018 work items. Some work efforts will start after or extend beyond
2018; those items are not the focus of these initial resource estimates. It is assumed that most
of the staff needs are long-term; the COE will revisit this assumption as the resource estimates
are incorporated into the proposed 2018 budget.
Major Accomplishments to Date
The Port already has implemented a number of energy conservation and other initiatives to
reduce GHG emissions across its facilities. Every Port construction project is considered for
energy and sustainability opportunities. Some of our many accomplishments include:
(1) Energy conservation upgrades to Sea-Tac mechanical systems, escalators, and parking
garage lighting;
(2) Installing pre-conditioned air and electrical power at Sea-Tac terminal gates to reduce
aircraft idling;
(3) Installing charging stations across the airport for airlines and baggage companies to
convert their fossil-fueled ground support equipment to electric (eGSE);
(4) Developing and implementing the Environmental Key Performance Indicator (e-KPI)
metric to reduce GHG emissions from transportation network companies such as
Uber, Lyft, and Wingz;
(5) Installing shorepower for cruise vessels to plug into while at berth to reduce the use of
fuel while at berth;
(6) Energy efficiency programs throughout the Maritime and Economic Development
Divisions that have reduced 6,322,000 kW hours/year of electricity use;
(7) Initiating the Puget Sound Maritime Emissions Inventory which calculates emissions
from all maritime emissions in Puget Sound. The 2011 Emissions Inventory showed
that the Port reduced GHG from maritime emissions by 14% from 2005; and
COMMISSION AGENDA – Briefing Item No. 7a Page 3 of 8
Meeting Date: July 11, 2017
Template revised September 22, 2016.
(8) Commissioning a pilot project to evaluate switching drayage trucks from diesel to
compressed natural gas.
In addition to these accomplishments, the Port has conducted sophisticated and systematic
analysis and planning toward achieving GHG reductions. These efforts include, among others,
the Port-wide Energy and Greenhouse Gas Assessment, the Aviation Biofuels Infrastructure
Study, and the North Ports Clean Air Strategy.
Resource Estimates
Regional Goals Alignment
Although the Commission adopted new and revised Century Agenda GHG reduction goals in
response to the work group recommendations, Port staff recommends two additional efforts:
(1) identifying and addressing data gaps in current Port GHG inventories and records, and (2)
developing new or modified sustainability initiatives to achieve the now-adopted GHG goals.
Staff focused on areas where implementing this part of the Policy Directive would not overlap
with other work group recommendations.
Efforts proposed for 2018 include:
• Developing and revising inventories for Maritime GHG Scope 1, 2, and 3 (Port direct,
purchased electricity, and Port-influenced) emissions to provide a consistent base for
evaluation;
• Identifying and beginning to implement additional Aviation and Maritime measures to
meet the more aggressive Scope 1 and 2 near-term goals;
• Completing a study to follow up on the Aviation Biofuels Financing Study
recommendations, to continue to advance efforts to reduce Scope 3 aviation GHG
emissions; and
• Continuing long-term planning to reduce Maritime Scope 3 emissions.
Remaining work efforts such as Scope 3 emissions from ground transportation are either
already being implemented using existing Maritime and Aviation resources, or will be
considered for implementation after 2018.
Commissioners have also expressed interest in a running tally of GHG reductions relative to the
Century Agenda goals. Port staff recommends addressing this request by:
(1) Continuing to report annually on the results of GHG inventories,
(2) Updating and sharing information on the project-specific and cumulative GHG
reductions from proposed projects, and
(3) Conducting research on the overall carbon benefit from multiple Port projects such as
carbon sequestration.
COMMISSION AGENDA – Briefing Item No. 7a Page 4 of 8
Meeting Date: July 11, 2017
Template revised September 22, 2016.
Resource estimates for this work include partial full-time equivalent positions (FTEs) for the
COE and Facilities and Infrastructure (F&I). In addition, Port staff recommends approximately
$600,000 for consultants to help identify additional Scope 1 and 2 measures, continue with the
aviation biofuels financing work, revise and update the Maritime GHG inventories, conduct
long-term Scope 3 planning for Maritime, and conduct research on the overall carbon benefit of
multiple Port projects.
Energy Production
To estimate resources needed to apply the Energy and Sustainability Framework (the
Framework) to relevant projects, Port staff began by evaluating how the Port currently reviews
proposed projects. Staff identified a number of systems that must be revised in order to reflect
the Framework, such as Aviation and Maritime capital investment processes, procurement
processes, design standards, Port master specifications and Dining and Retail Design Guidelines,
among others. Staff quickly recognized that the Port must conduct a more complete evaluation
of these processes to fully address and test the Framework.
Therefore, in 2018, staff recommends that a Port-wide team, consisting of the COE, the Project
Management Group (PMG), Engineering (ENG), F&I, and others as necessary, apply the
Framework to one operational and one capital/complex bidding process project each at the
Maritime and Aviation divisions. These four pilot projects will provide insight into how the
overall process, as well as project-related systems (e.g., those noted above) will need to be
adjusted to reflect the framework. Based on the results, the Port-wide team will recommend
changes to Port project review processes/systems to the Commission.
The team also will consider and make recommendations regarding the need for other
sustainability tools such as GHG calculators, sustainability checklists, and tools that have been
successfully used at similar organizations such as the City of Seattle, the City and County of San
Francisco, and Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport.
Additional resources will be needed to provide utility and energy management planning and
evaluation of a potential micro-grid near container cargo facilities and a small-scale electricity
power generation center.
Resource estimates for this work are allocated among key departments including partial FTEs
for the COE, PMG, F&I, and ENG. In addition, Port staff recommends approximately $200,000
for consultants to review methodologies and assumptions embedded in the range of calculators
available to the Port and make recommendations if appropriate.
COMMISSION AGENDA – Briefing Item No. 7a Page 5 of 8
Meeting Date: July 11, 2017
Template revised September 22, 2016.
Energy Conservation
The Energy Conservation work group recommendations include a number of specific items that
are grouped into categories below. To address these items, Port staff recommends the
following:
Transportation: The COE is already developing a 2017 Green Fleet Plan that will be generally
responsive to the recommendation on the purchase of fossil fuel vehicles. To increase the
percentage of electric or other low emission rental vehicles, staff recommends evaluating a
voluntary program with corporate partners in the region who have agreements with Sea-Tac
rental car companies. To address GHGs from employee commuting, the Port would expand
existing tracking mechanisms and estimating protocols to cover all employees. Additional
resources would be used to develop a proposal to reduce GHG emissions for all commercial
vehicles serving the airport.
Habitat: The Port would use existing staff and hire a consultant to develop calculations of the
carbon sequestration benefits from new and existing habitat projects.
Leasing: Addressing the work group recommendations in this category will require a significant,
multi-year effort. In 2018, the Port will collect lease information, research best practices,
conduct a gap analysis, develop a strategy for updating lease templates, and identify areas of
initial focus. An additional staff person, likely in the Real Estate Group will be needed to
complete this effort.
Infrastructure and Energy Efficiency: Aviation is currently developing a metering plan to
identify areas of highest energy use and ensure that tenants are billed directly for their energy
use. Maritime is developing strategies including infrastructure upgrades and modifications as
part of energy audits of individual facilities. Recommendations for infrastructure investments
are typically requested as part of capital budget submittals; the Energy and Sustainability
framework may help to expand the number of opportunities identified. As part of the 2018
resource estimate, Maritime will install smart meters at Fishermen’s Terminal, evaluate data
and establish policy on smart meter deployment, and evaluate additional metering
opportunities.
Resource estimates for this work are allocated among key departments including partial FTEs
for the COE and Properties/EDD. In addition, Port staff recommends approximately $470,000
for consultants to expand the employee commuting tracking mechanism, develop methods for
calculating carbon sequestration from habitat projects, study leasing practices, and help
evaluate the feasibility of an internal carbon tax.
Resource Effort Estimate: Equity
The Port of Seattle will join a number of public agencies and professional sectors in developing
a policy and a set of operating principles and practices addressing equity, diversity and inclusion
by the end of the year.
COMMISSION AGENDA – Briefing Item No. 7a Page 6 of 8
Meeting Date: July 11, 2017
Template revised September 22, 2016.
The Energy and Sustainability Committee Work Group recommendation to “Develop a Port-
wide equity policy similar to the County’s and City’s” spurs the Port of Seattle to act boldly and
broadly to recognize the existence and impact of institutional racism on both day to day Port
operations and the region we serve. This recommendation aligns with the Port’s commitment
in 2016 to become a model of equity, diversity and inclusion as stated in the Long Range Plan
Strategy 4: High Performance Organization, Priority Action 1.
The Port recently joined the Government Alliance on Race and Equity (GARE), a national
network of governments working to achieve racial equity and advance opportunities for all.
Between July and December 2017 GARE’s consulting group will work with the Executive
Leadership Team and a design team consisting of employees from across the port to develop a
Port of Seattle Equity Policy and Strategy to recommend to the Commission, lay ground work
to normalize racial equity as a key value and have clear understanding and shared definitions;
build capacity to operationalize equity via new policies and by transforming the underlying
culture of our organization; and produce an implementation plan. In order to meaningfully and
productively engage community representatives in this work, the Port will contract with a
second consultant who will participate as a member of the design team and be responsible for
developing and executing a community engagement strategy.
Efforts proposed for 2018 include:
• Implement an equity strategy and practices in three departments and evaluate the
results.
• In support of this initiative, provide employees training on institutional racism and the
Port’s equity, diversity, and inclusion strategy and model of practice.
• Continue to partner with local agencies—including the City of Seattle and King
County—and agencies around the country in building government accountability for
equity.
Port of Seattle executive leadership recognizes that a successful Port-wide effort requires
expertise and experience. Longer term resource needs will become clearer once the policy and
strategy have been developed. Nonetheless we’ve learned from the City of Seattle and King
County programs that new FTEs will likely be required to launch a successful Port equity
program. Resources in the City and County’s models include:
• Senior leader - Provides strategic planning and direction and establishes relationships
with key governmental and community stakeholders.
• Manager(s) - Serves as a strategic advisor or program manager, coordinates
interdepartmental teams, develops equity tools and trains and organizes community
advisory bodies.
• Administrative support – Performs administrative tasks in support of the program.
COMMISSION AGENDA – Briefing Item No. 7a Page 7 of 8
Meeting Date: July 11, 2017
Template revised September 22, 2016.
Resource Effort Summary
All work teams submitted estimates of 2018 staffing and consultant dollars to complete the
efforts outlined above. The COE then reviewed the staffing estimates and revised them to
reflect realistic potential staff positions. The estimated needs for 2018 are as follows:
Department
Staffing (FTE)
Consulting Fees
Environmental COE
3.0
(2 M and 1 AV)
$1,080,000
Aviation F & I
1.0
PMG (Aviation/Maritime)
0.5
ENG
0.5
EDD
1.0
$200,000
Equity effort*
4.0
$150,000
Total
10.0
$1,430,000
*Department to be identified by end of 2017.
As noted previously, a number of the Committee recommendations are already being
implemented or can be implemented in 2018 using existing resources. However, the timeline
for implementation of items requiring additional staff is subject to budget authorization for the
positions and the time needed to bring new staff on board. To speed implementation, the COE
recommends hiring an additional staff person this year to begin work. The new FTE would do
the work formerly done by air emissions-related staff who moved to the North West Seaport
Alliance. In addition, staff recommends not waiting until 2018 to begin recruitment for the
other new staff.
The Energy and Sustainability Committee charter’s intent included the development of policies;
the April 11, 2017 adoption of the revised Century Agenda goals fulfills part of that intent. As
the COE works in 2018 to implement specific Committee recommendations, the COE will likely
propose additional policies for Commission consideration. The nature and timing of these
policies will be determined by the outcome of the 2018 work.
ATTACHMENTS TO THIS BRIEFING
(1) Presentation slides
(2) Motion to Charter the Energy and Sustainability Committee
(3) Motion to amend the Port of Seattle Century Agenda
(4) Proposed Port Energy Production Project Evaluation Criteria
COMMISSION AGENDA – Briefing Item No. 7a Page 8 of 8
Meeting Date: July 11, 2017
Template revised September 22, 2016.
PREVIOUS COMMISSION ACTIONS OR BRIEFINGS
April 11, 2017 – The Commission amended the Port of Seattle Century Agenda to include
greenhouse gas reduction goals consistent with those adopted by regional municipalities.
The April 11, 2017, motion also included direction to the COE to develop a 2018 budget
proposal for implementation of the Policy Directives.
February 28, 2017 – The Commission was briefed on the recommendations of the work
groups established by the Energy and Sustainability Committee.
January 26, 2016 – The Commission chartered the Energy and Sustainability Policy
Committee.
PREVIOUS ENERGY AND SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE POLICY DIRECTIVE BRIEFINGS
January 24, 2017 – Sixth meeting of the Energy and Sustainability Policy Directive
Committee was held.
• Group presentations of proposed final policy directives.
November 28, 2016 – Fifth meeting of the Energy and Sustainability Policy Directive
Committee was held.
• Report outs from work groups. Next steps and schedule discussed.
October 11, 2016 – Fourth meeting of the Energy and Sustainability Policy Directive
Committee was held.
• Workgroups breakouts including Regional Alignment, Energy Production, Energy
Conservation, and Environmental Equity to begin work on potential Policy Directives.
September 13, 2016 – Third meeting of the Energy and Sustainability Policy Directive
Committee was held.
• Focused on committee process and policy proposals by subject matter. Advisors
chose work groups based on subject matter.
July 26, 2016 – Second meeting of the Energy and Sustainability Policy Directive Committee
was held.
• King County Cities Climate Collaboration, or K4C, briefed us on the goals as
developed by 11 cities within King County.
• Port staff provided an updated Port environmental scorecard for review and a
briefing on Port solar projects.
• Got Green provided a briefing on Environmental Equity principles.
June 14, 2016 – First meeting of the Energy and Sustainability Policy Directive Committee
was held.
• Provided information about the Port of Seattle’s current greenhouse gas reduction
goals and what work we are doing to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions.
