Royal Caribbean Group is making good on its promise to deliver the world's first zero-energy cruise terminal in Galveston, Texas.
On Monday, the cruise giant announced that the Galveston Cruise Terminal (GCT) is the first cruise terminal to formally achieve both Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) Net Zero Energy and LEED Net Zero Carbon certifications for its ongoing operations.
The two new eco-friendly distinctions arrive on top of Royal Caribbean Group's existing LEED Gold certification for the design and construction of GCT, which began operations in November 2022.
LEED Zero Carbon certification recognizes buildings such as GCT operating with net zero carbon emissions over the course of the past year, while LEED Zero Energy certification acknowledges buildings that achieve a source energy use balance of zero for the past year.
The year-long process concluded this past March and the two Net Zero certifications were officially awarded on June 18, 2025.
"Earning three prestigious LEED certifications in under three years is both a testament to Royal Caribbean Group's mission to deliver the best vacations responsibly and to the incredible drive of our partners, at SSA Marine, CodeGreen and the Port of Galveston," Joshua Carroll, senior vice president, Destination Development, Royal Caribbean Group, said in a statement.
"Achieving LEED certification is more than just implementing sustainable practices. It represents a commitment to making the world a better place and influencing others to do better," added Peter Templeton, president and CEO, USGBC. "Given the extraordinary importance of climate protection and the central role buildings play in that effort, Royal Caribbean Group is creating a path forward through their LEED certification."
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