Building a Greener Future, One Terminal at a Time – Chris Cruises

By
Admin
-
0
5


  • The Galveston Cruise Terminal is the first cruise terminal to achieve LEED Net Zero Energy and LEED Net Zero Carbon certifications for its operations.
  • These new certifications are in addition to the existing LEED Gold certification for the terminal’s design and construction.
  • The certification process for Net Zero Energy and Net Zero Carbon involved a year of monitoring operations, concluding in March.
  • This achievement signifies Royal Caribbean Group’s commitment to sustainability and sets a precedent within the cruise industry.

Royal Caribbean’s Galveston Cruise Terminal (GCT) has reached a significant sustainability achievement, becoming the first cruise terminal globally to earn both Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) Net Zero Energy and LEED Net Zero Carbon certifications for its operational performance. These new distinctions complement the existing LEED Gold certification the terminal received for its design and construction, a facility that commenced operations in November 2022.

The LEED Zero Carbon certification acknowledges buildings that have operated with net zero carbon emissions over the preceding year, while LEED Zero Energy certification recognizes structures that maintained a source energy use balance of zero for the same period. The comprehensive year-long evaluation process for these certifications concluded in March and the awards were formally presented on June 18, 2025.

Joshua Carroll, Senior Vice President of Destination Development for Royal Caribbean Group, highlighted that securing three LEED certifications within three years underscores the company’s commitment to responsible vacation experiences and acknowledges the collaborative efforts of partners such as SSA Marine, CodeGreen, and the Port of Galveston. Peter Templeton, President and CEO of the USGBC, added that LEED certification represents a dedication to environmental improvement and encourages broader sustainable practices, positioning Royal Caribbean Group as a leader in climate protection through its building initiatives.