Recent Accomplishments

In addition to the documents described below and linked on the Key Work Products tab, the Port of Bellingham has been working to implement programs and projects that move us towards climate change resiliency and reduce our contributions to climate change. Some of these include a Building and Infrastructure Energy Management Program, habitat enhancement at the Little Squalicum Beach and changes in construction projects to incorporate current modeling for future sea level rise and storm surges. 

Vulnerability Assessment

In December, 2021, a Vulnerability Assessment was completed that examined the different ways that Port (and tenant) properties might be affected by climate change, especially sea level rise and storm surges. The Vulnerability Assessment was update in 2023 and is available on the Key Work Products page. 

By identifying the most vulnerable properties, our team can begin to develop adaptation strategies to address the impacts of future storm events and river flooding. 

Green House Gas Inventory

A baseline Greenhouse Gas Inventory was completed for the calendar year 2019. The results are shown in the two pie charts below. The full inventory and a third party review and management memo can be found on the Key Work Products Page. 

The chart on the left shows the Port’s 2019 emissions, including electricity purchased through Puget Sound Energy (PSE). The chart on the right shows the Port’s 2019 emissions excluding electricity purchased through PSE. This is an important distinction because the Port committed to PSE's Green Direct program for renewable energy purchases as of March 2021, which effectively reduces its GHG emissions from electricity purchased from PSE to zero. The Port purchases other electricity through the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), which remains counted. These charts show the Ports Scope 1, Scope 2, and some Scope 3 emissions (see definitions below). 

See below for a detailed definition of Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions. Please note that inclusion of scope 3 emissions is optional, and the Port included one scope 3 emission, employee commuting.

 GHG Emission Scopes included in the Port of Bellingham 2019 GHG Emissions Inventory

Scope 1 sources:  Sources under the direct control and operation of the Port. These include natural gas burned in Port-controlled buildings, fuel burned in the Port-owned fleet, and fugitive emissions from refrigerants used in Port-controlled buildings and vehicles.

Scope 2 sources:  Indirect sources such as purchased electricity used in Port-controlled buildings and operations. 

Scope 3 sources:  Other indirect sources whose emissions are a consequence of the Port’s activity but are not directly controlled by the Port. The Port included employee commuting in its inventory.   

Source: Figure 1 of Greenhouse Gas Protocol Technical Guidance for Calculating Scope 3 Emissions,  Scope 3 Calculation Guidance | Greenhouse Gas Protocol (ghgprotocol.org)