by Lacey Pfalz
Last updated: 6:17 PM ET, Thu October 13, 2022
Royal Caribbean announced its newest terminal, expected to open November 9 in Galveston, Texas, will be the first cruise terminal to generate all of its energy using on-site renewable energy production.
The Port of Galveston terminal will generate its own energy through solar panels located on its roof. It's expected to be the first LEED Zero Energy-certified facility in the world. It also expects to receive LEED Gold certification within the first half of 2023.
The terminal measures 161,334 square-feet and is expected to welcome 630,000 travelers annually. It cost the cruise line $125 million to build. It relies upon 30,000 square feet of photovoltaic solar panels to generate its energy. Any energy not used by the terminal will be sent to Galveston's power grid.
Any extra carbon emissions produced will be offset by carbon credits.
Who will use the terminal? Royal Caribbean International's ships, including the Allure of the Seas, an Oasis-class ship that will be the first ship to dock in the terminal when it celebrates its opening in November.
"We are focused on innovating across all aspects of our company, especially in our work to advance sustainability in the communities we visit," said Jason Liberty, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group. "We deeply value both the oceans we sail and the communities we visit and operate in, and the modern design and development features at our terminal in Galveston will work in service of both."
Royal Caribbean Group also practiced more sustainable methods of construction in accordance with its Destination Net Zero decarbonization plan, including utilizing materials that produce less carbon and generate less heat, reducing construction waste, minimizing sources of pollution, installing EV charging stations and more.
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