Resolution 3768, Sustainable Evaluation Framework Policy Directive Page 1 of 2
RESOLUTION NO. 3768
(As Amended: November 19, 2019)
A RESOLUTION of the Port of Seattle Commission establishing a Sustainable
Evaluation Framework Policy Directive.
WHEREAS, the Port of Seattle in the Century Agenda commits to create economic
opportunity for all, steward our environment responsibly, partner with surrounding
communities, institutions, governments and businesses, to promote social responsibility, to
conduct ourselves transparently, and to hold ourselves accountable; and
WHEREAS, the urgency of the climate crisis drives the need for innovative and far-
reaching solutions; and
WHEREAS, the Port of Seattle Commission is committed to reducing our carbon
footprint by in vesting in solutions to become the greenest and most efficient port in the
nation and we are further committed to assisting and incentivizing those we do business to
reach these goals; and
WHEREAS, the Port of Seattle has been a leader in assessing greenhouse gas emissions
associated with capital projects and operations, and implementing mitigation strategies that
reduce emissions that contribute to climate change; and
WHEREAS, the Port of Seattle Commission unanimously chartered the Energy and
Sustainability Committee by motion on January 26, 2016 tasking the Committee primarily to
develop and propose policy directives to guide the Port of Seattle’s greenhouse gas (GHG)
emissions reductions effort, with a focus on energy efficiency and alternative energy
generation; and
WHEREAS, the Port of Seattle Commission set ambitious targets to reduce greenhouse
gas emissions in alignment with the Paris Climate Agreement and other regional governments;
and
WHEREAS, by 2050, the port committed to make its directly controlled emissions
carbon neutral and to reduce its indirectly controlled sourced by 80 percent. We also have a
short-term goal in 2020 to reduce direct emissions by 15% and a medium-term goal to reduce
direct and indirect emissions by 50. We are currently negotiating the purchase of renewable
natural gas that could get us to our 2030 goals in 2020; and
WHEREAS, the Port of Seattle Commission adopted recommendations of the Committee on
December 19, 2017, directing staff to develop a Sustainability Project Framework to assist the port in
meeting its greenhouse gas reduction and sustainability goals by integrating sustainability
considerations into key Port decisions is essential to achieving the Port’s long-term environmental and
sustainability goals; and
WHEREAS,
WHEREAS,
WHEREAS,
WHEREAS,
WHEREAS,
WHEREAS,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED
ADOPTED
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EXHIBIT A: SUSTAINABLE EVALUATION FRAMEWORK POLICY DIRECTIVE
SECTION 1. Purpose.
This policy will advance the port’s Century Agenda strategy to be the greenest and most energy
efficient port in North America and the corresponding objectives, including reducing greenhouse
gas emissions by conserving energy and/or using renewable energy.
The Port of Seattle Commission finds that to advance these goals and objectives, it is necessary
to institute a port-wide process that reduces the environmental and societal impacts associated
with capital projects and key operational decisions. The establishment of this Sustainable
Evaluation Framework creates a port-wide process that is efficient and effective, uses port
resources wisely, and provides transparency for the commission, the public, and port staff.
The primary purpose of this policy is to require the application of the Sustainable Evaluation
Framework to all capital project decisions and key operational decisions to advance the port’s
sustainability goals and objectives.
SECTION 2. Definitions.
When used in this policy directive, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings given
below unless the context in which they are included clearly indicates otherwise:
“Embodied carbon” is the carbon footprint of a material. It considers how much greenhouse gas
(GHGs) is released throughout the supply chain and is often measured from cradle to (factory)
gate, or cradle to site (of use).
“Key operational decisions” are decisions about aviation and non-aviation operations that are
identified by the Executive Director, Senior Director of the Environment and Sustainability Center
of Expertise and/or the director of the affected business unit as in need of review, because the
decisions have energy use implications, GHG reduction opportunities, or other potential
sustainability or societal impacts.
“Port-wide Sustainability Goals” are identified in Exhibit A.
“Scope 1, 2, and 3 Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions” refers to the GHG Protocol Corporate
Standard that classifies a company's GHG emissions into three 'scopes.' Scope 1 emissions are
direct emissions from owned or controlled sources. Scope 2 emissions are indirect emissions
from the generation of purchased energy. Scope 3 emissions are all indirect emissions (not
included in Scope 2) that occur in the value chain of the reporting company, including both
upstream and downstream emissions.
Port of Seattle Sustainable Evaluation Framework Policy Directive Page 2 of 7
“Sustainable Design Approach” is the recommended categories and sustainability concepts,
approaches, and ideas that staff expect to explore and evaluate for a given capital project. The
Approach is developed by the Sustainable Project Assessment and Review Collaboration (SPARC,
described below) during the planning phases of a given project and will be used by the respective
project design teams to inform their assessments and analyses to focus on those areas that may
provide significant sustainability benefits for that project.
“Sustainable Design Strategy” is the recommended course of action that a project team is
expected to implement in constructing its proposed project. The Sustainable Design Strategy
includes the results of the analyses conducted during the design phase of the project and
recommended suite of actions, including potential alternatives that were analyzed in the
Sustainable Design Approach, that are expected to advance the port’s sustainability goals as
appropriate for that project.
“Sustainable Evaluation Framework” refers to a set of criteria recommended and adopted by the
Commission (Motion 2017-14, adopted December 19, 2017) to assist the port in achieving its
sustainability goals. The criteria are in addition to other project evaluation criteria such as return
on investment or total cost of ownership.
The Framework criteria are:
• Reduce GHG emissions
• Protect health and the environment
• Increase resilience
• Support local economic development
• Advance innovation
• Leverage and develop partnerships
• Advance equity
“Sustainable Project Assessment and Review Collaboration” (SPARC) refers to a group of internal
and external experts as appropriate, determined by the port as having professional expertise
related to the sustainability opportunities relevant to a given port capital project or key
operational decision.
SECTION 3. Scope and Applicability.
This policy directive establishes guidance on integrating sustainability into all capital projects and
key operational decisions across the port, in an efficient and effective manner. For capital
projects and key operational decisions that meet the threshold for commission action identified
in the Delegation of Responsibility and Authority, all capital project teams and operational staff
shall integrate sustainable approaches into planning, design, construction, procurement, and
other operations consistent with this policy. Leasing shall be considered part of the scope of this
policy per the outcomes of Section 6(G).
Port of Seattle Sustainable Evaluation Framework Policy Directive Page 3 of 7
This policy directive ensures that the port will implement an efficient and effective process for
developing and implementing sustainable designs for capital projects; creates a responsibility to
identify key operational decisions that would benefit from a sustainability review; and creates a
process for reviewing and tracking sustainability outcomes from projects for the commission and
public.
SECTION 4. Responsibilities.
The port’s Executive Director or a delegate shall ensure the policy is implemented and adequately
funded, and that the Sustainable Evaluation Framework is integrated into capital projects and
key operational decisions across the port.
The Executive Director shall also ensure that decisions associated with the application of the
Sustainable Evaluation Framework are transparently documented and publicly exhibited so that
the Port of Seattle Commission can review, in public, alternatives and trade-offs that describe
how a project can meet its GHG and sustainability and other societal goals.
The Executive Director shall also ensure that the program evaluation meets the purpose and
timeliness identified in Section 6 of this policy.
SECTION 5. Policy.
To integrate the framework into capital development design and construction processes and key
operational decisions, the port shall:
A. Develop and implement a tiered approach that focuses port resources on capital
projects that have the greatest opportunities to meet the commission’s directive in the
framework:
(1) Tier 1: Smaller, less complex, projects that would follow port standards and
specifications.
(2) Tier 2: Medium-sized, or more complex, projects that have opportunities for
sustainability benefit would be subject to targeted sustainability analyses and
strategies. Tier 2 projects may receive a cost per ton of carbon calculation.
(3) Tier 3: Large, or the most complex, projects with significant opportunities that may
require a sustainability certification along with other targeted sustainability
analyses and strategies, as applicable. Tier 3 projects will receive a cost per ton of
carbon reduction analysis.
B. Establish a team of project-specific experts (referred to as the Sustainable Project
Assessment and Review Collaboration or SPARC) to leverage port expertise and knowledge of
Port of Seattle Sustainable Evaluation Framework Policy Directive Page 4 of 7
existing and emerging sustainability practices for capital projects and key operational decisions
to:
(1) Identify, review, brainstorm, and recommend sustainability concepts and ideas for
project and operational teams to consider and evaluate during the development
and design stage of port projects.
(2) Encourage project and operational teams to evaluate and consider innovative
strategies to reduce emissions and energy use beyond traditional approaches.
(3) Select and apply the relevant Sustainable Evaluation Framework criteria to
highlight tradeoffs and benefits during development of the Sustainable Design
Approach and review of key operational decisions.
C. SPARC recommendations shall be documented in a Sustainable Design Approach for
each capital project and presented to commission along with the request for authorization for
design funds.
(1) The Sustainable Design Approach shall include a recommendation as to whether
a project should pursue an applicable third-party sustainability certification.
(2) Capital project teams shall evaluate and quantify the sustainability costs and
benefits of the Sustainable Design Approaches as part of the design process.
D. Capital project teams shall work with the SPARC to develop and recommend a
Sustainable Design Strategy that includes alternatives that were analyzed in the Sustainable
Design Approach. The Sustainable Design Strategy shall be included in the final construction
authorization for each project.
E. The Executive Director or delegate shall consult with the Energy and Sustainability
Committee on alternatives identified in the Sustainable Design Strategy at or before 30 percent
design.
F. The Executive Director shall consult the commission on key operational decision
alternatives where there are significant GHG, sustainability, or cost implications.
G. The Senior Director, Engineering, Environment, and Sustainability or delegate shall be
consulted regarding any changes to the Sustainable Design Strategy that occur after commission
authorization. The Senior Director shall brief the Energy and Sustainability Committee on those
changes.
H. Recognize project teams that meet or surpass their project-specific goals to
encourage innovation and environmental sustainability achievements.
Port of Seattle Sustainable Evaluation Framework Policy Directive Page 5 of 7
SECTION 6. Program Evaluation.
A. Port staff shall prepare and deliver to the commission an Annual Sustainable
Evaluation Framework Progress Report by June 30 of each year that includes progress and
recommendations to achieve the policy outlined in Section 5. The progress report shall include:
(1) The Sustainability Scorecard to provide context for progress on reaching GHG
reduction goals.
(2) A summary of sustainability elements that have been identified in the Sustainable
Design Strategies for each project.
(3) Description of the implementation of the framework as part of each capital project
and key operational decisions, including those strategies that were considered but
ultimately not included in the project.
(4) The estimated GHG emission reductions related to each project and the cost per
metric ton of GHG reduced for those projects, where such a calculation was used.
(5) Other sustainability benefits associated with projects as appropriate.
B. By March 31, 2020, present to the commission a Sustainable Evaluation Framework
Guidance Document that will guide application of this policy to capital construction starting
March 31, 2020.
C. By June 30, 2021, present findings and recommendations to the Energy and
Sustainability Committee that outline how key operational decisions were identified and
delivered to commission and the public from adoption of this policy until June 30, 2021, and
incorporate these findings into the final Sustainable Evaluation Framework Guidance Document.
D. By June 30, 2021, present to the commission recommendations for incorporating
equity and resiliency considerations into the Sustainable Evaluation Framework or the final
Sustainable Evaluation Framework Guidance Document. When developing recommendations on
resiliency, the Executive Director shall consider the following definition: “Resiliency is the
capacity to adapt to changing conditions and to maintain or regain functionality and vitality in
the face of stress or disturbance. It is the capacity to bounce back after a disturbance or
interruption.”
E. By December 30, 2021, present to the commission recommendations for updating
and revising port construction specifications and standards to reflect advancements in
sustainable materials, energy efficiency, and sustainable design approaches. Recommendations
will include consideration of total cost of ownership and sustainability costs and benefits.
Port of Seattle Sustainable Evaluation Framework Policy Directive Page 6 of 7
F. Within 90 days of implementation of this policy, port staff shall deliver a timeline and
scope of work for the development and pilot of incentives to reduce embodied carbon in
construction materials through a partnership with external partners.
G. By December 30, 2021, present to the commission recommendations for
incorporating the development of long-term lease agreements into the Sustainable Evaluation
Framework and/or the final Sustainable Evaluation Framework Guidance Document.
Port of Seattle Sustainable Evaluation Framework Policy Directive Page 7 of 7
(POLICY DIRECTIVE) EXHIBIT A
Century Agenda and Current Port Policies Summary
A summary of Port of Seattle sustainability goals and objectives as described in the port’s Century
Agenda, Environmental Scorecard, and Ground Transportation Principles and Goals Policy
Directive, and a commission briefing is provided for reference below:
Carbon (GHG)
Reduction
1
Reduce Scope 1 & 2 emissions:
▪ 15% below 2005 levels by 2020
▪ 50% below 2005 levels by 2030
▪ Carbon neutral by 2050 or carbon negative by 2050
Scope 3 emissions:
▪ 50% below 2007 levels by 2030
▪ 80% below 2007 levels by 2050
Energy
2
Meet all increased energy needs with conservation and/or
renewables.
Airport Ground
Transportation Policy
Directive
3
Reduce curbside private vehicle pickup/drop off from 41 percent to
30 percent of mode share by 2030.
Reduce Scope 3 GHG emissions from passenger vehicles to 50
percent of 2007 levels by 2030.
Maintain a maximum 15-minute travel time from the airport clock
tower to terminal curb or parking garage.
Air Pollution
4
Reduce particulate matter pollution by 50% from 2005 levels.
Water Quality
5
Meet or exceed agency requirements for stormwater leaving Port-
owned or operated facilities.
Waste Reduction
6
Solid waste: 60% diverted from landfills
Construction waste: 90% diverted from landfills
Habitat/Land
Restoration
7
Restore, create, and enhance 40 additional acres of habitat in the
Green/Duwamish watershed and Elliott Bay.
Water Conservation
8
Reduce projected future water consumption by 12% by 2030
Northwest Ports Clean
Air Strategy
Guides clean air goals for Northwest Ports.
1
Port of Seattle Century Agenda Strategic Objectives. Downloaded October 2019.
https://www.portseattle.org/page/century-agenda-strategic-objectives.
2
Port of Seattle Century Agenda Objectives, 2019.
3
Port of Seattle Commission Resolution No.3759, July 9, 2019.
4
Port of Seattle Century Agenda Strategic Objectives, 2019.
5
Port of Seattle Century Agenda Strategic Objectives, 2019.
6
Port of Seattle Environmental Scorecard, 2018.
7
Port of Seattle Century Agenda Strategic Objectives, 2019.
8
Strategy for a Sustainable Sea-Tac. Commission Briefing, 2/10/2015.
