Royal Caribbean Group’s Galveston Cruise Terminal Attains Dual LEED Net Zero Certifications: A Step Towards Sustainable Travel

Royal Caribbean Group’s Galveston Cruise Terminal has made history by being the first cruise facility to secure both LEED Net Zero Energy and LEED Net Zero Carbon certifications for its operational performance. These accolades were awarded by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and build on the terminal’s previous LEED Gold certification received for its design and construction when it commenced operations in November 2022.

Joshua Carroll, senior vice president of Destination Development at RCG, highlighted that this achievement reflects their commitment to sustainable practices and results from a collaborative effort involving RCG, terminal operator SSA Marine, sustainability consultants CodeGreen, and the Port of Galveston. This significant milestone was achieved within three years of the terminal’s opening.

The LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) framework represents a global standard for sustainable building design and performance. Specifically, the LEED Zero Carbon certification recognizes facilities that maintain net zero carbon emissions for an entire year, while the LEED Zero Energy certification acknowledges those that balance energy consumption with renewable energy generation throughout the same period.

USGBC President and CEO Peter Templeton praised RCG’s achievement, stating it goes beyond just sustainable practices; it reflects a serious commitment to climate responsibility in the maritime sector.

The certification process entailed a rigorous audit that assessed the terminal’s energy, water, and waste management performance, which was conducted by CodeGreen. Armed with this information, SSA Marine enacted system enhancements and retro-commissioning efforts designed to improve efficiency and optimize performance. This review ended in March 2025, with the dual certifications awarded on June 18 of the same year.

To commemorate this achievement, a plaque has been installed in the terminal’s main lobby, symbolizing Royal Caribbean Group’s dedication to environmentally friendly cruise operations and sustainable port infrastructure development.

For more information, visit CruiseMapper or read about Galveston Cruise Terminal’s certifications.

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