Royal Caribbean Group's Galveston Terminal Secures Two Additional Industry-First LEED Certifications

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Royal Caribbean Group (NYSE: RCL) announced that its Galveston Cruise Terminal is the first cruise terminal to achieve both LEED Net Zero Energy and LEED Net Zero Carbon certifications for ongoing operations, building on an existing LEED Gold for design and construction.

The year-long verification concluded in March 2025 and the two Net Zero certifications were awarded on June 18, 2025. Partners on the project included SSA Marine, CodeGreen and the Port of Galveston.

The attainment of both certifications recognizes the company's sustainability efforts

GALVESTON, Texas, Oct. 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Royal Caribbean Group's (NYSE: RCL) 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. These two new certifications build on Royal Caribbean Group's existing LEED Gold certification for the design and construction of GCT, which began operations in November 2022.

"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," said Joshua Carroll, senior vice president, Destination Development, Royal Caribbean Group. 

Developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), LEED is a globally recognized rating system and framework for identifying and implementing practical green building strategies. The LEED Zero Carbon certification recognizes buildings operating with net zero carbon emissions over the course of the past year, and the LEED Zero Energy certification recognizes buildings that achieve a source energy use balance of zero for the past year.

"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," said 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."

Royal Caribbean Group's Destination Development team, Galveston terminal operator SSA Marine, and environmental consulting firm CodeGreen worked together on the project. CodeGreen audited and benchmarked the terminal's energy, water and waste use. The SSA Marine operations team used these metrics to make necessary upgrades and improvements, including retro-commissioning building systems, to reach peak performance. This year-long process concluded in March 2025, and the two Net Zero certifications were awarded on June 18, 2025.  

To commemorate these milestones, a plaque was hung in the terminal's grand lobby, as a testament of Royal Caribbean Group's commitment to sustainability and delivering vacations responsibly.

About Royal Caribbean Group:
Royal Caribbean Group (NYSE: RCL) is a vacation industry leader with a global fleet of 68 ships across its five brands traveling to all seven continents. With a mission to deliver the best vacations responsibly, Royal Caribbean Group serves millions of guests each year through its portfolio of best-in-class brands, including Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea; and an expanding portfolio of land-based vacation experiences through Perfect Day at CocoCay and Royal Beach Club collection. The company also owns a 50% joint venture interest in TUI Cruises, which operates partner brands Mein Shiff and Hapag-Lloyd Cruises. With a rich history of innovating, Royal Caribbean Group continually delivers exciting new products and guest experiences that help shape the future of leisure travel. Learn more at royalcaribbeangroup.com or rclinvestor.com.

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SOURCE Royal Caribbean Group

FAQ

What LEED certifications did Royal Caribbean Group announce for its Galveston terminal (RCL)?

The Galveston Cruise Terminal achieved LEED Net Zero Energy and LEED Net Zero Carbon for ongoing operations, in addition to an existing LEED Gold for design and construction.

When were the LEED Net Zero Energy and Net Zero Carbon certifications awarded to RCL's Galveston terminal?

The two Net Zero certifications were awarded on June 18, 2025 after a year-long verification that concluded in March 2025.

How did Royal Caribbean (RCL) achieve the Galveston terminal's LEED Net Zero certifications?

CodeGreen audited energy, water and waste; SSA Marine retro-commissioned systems and implemented upgrades using those metrics to reach peak performance.

What partners helped Royal Caribbean Group secure LEED Net Zero certifications at Galveston (RCL)?

The project involved Royal Caribbean Group's Destination Development team, terminal operator SSA Marine, environmental consultant CodeGreen, and the Port of Galveston.

What do the LEED Net Zero Energy and Net Zero Carbon certifications mean for RCL's Galveston terminal?

LEED Net Zero Carbon recognizes operating with net zero carbon emissions over the past year; LEED Net Zero Energy recognizes achieving a source energy use balance of zero for the past year.