Port of San Diego’s Yarmy honored with 2025 Climate Leader Award

The San Diego Regional Climate Collaborative (SDRCC) has awarded Port of San Diego Maritime Sustainability Manager Renee Yarmy its 2025 Climate Leader Award, recognizing her leadership in advancing transformative climate resilience and sustainable solutions across the region.

Yarmy, who has more than 22 years of experience in sustainable development, architecture, climate action planning, and project management, oversees the Port’s electrification, decarbonization, and clean freight portfolio of initiatives. Her work helps achieve the goals outlined in the Port’s Maritime Clean Air Strategy.

“Renee’s dedication to innovative, equitable climate solutions is helping move the region toward a cleaner, more resilient future, cementing our reputation as a port of firsts” said Joel Valenzuela, Vice President of Maritime and Operations at the Port of San Diego. “Her leadership exemplifies the Port’s commitment to environmental stewardship and community health.”

Under Yarmy’s leadership, the Port has launched several landmark sustainability initiatives, including development of a renewable microgrid at the Tenth Avenue Marine Terminal, electrification of cargo-handling equipment and other operational infrastructure across the supply chain, and deployment of advanced data tools that expand visibility into port-wide emissions reductions. These efforts are central to advancing zero-emissions operations and improving air quality for surrounding communities.

The Port congratulates Yarmy for this distinguished recognition and celebrates the collaborative climate action taking place across the San Diego region.