MBTA earns 'Gold' for its Sustainability Achievements
Posted on August 4, 2014
The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) recognized the MBTA and other organizations today for their outstanding sustainability achievements which have met specific criteria through the APTA Sustainability Commitment program. Public transit agencies and businesses that voluntarily participate in the APTA Sustainability Commitment program commit to implementing processes and actions that create continuous improvements in environmental, social, and economic sustainability. Depending on the level of achievement, organizations were presented Gold, Silver, and Bronze level certifications at the APTA Sustainability and Public Transportation Workshop which is being held at the Omni Parker House Hotel in Boston. The MBTA received Gold Level recognition.
“Congratulations to our newest sustainability champions! Public transportation promotes healthy, vibrant, sustainable communities across the country, and these organizations have taken it to the next level,” said APTA Chair Peter Varga.
Started in 2009, 121 public transit agencies and businesses have signed on to the APTA Sustainability Commitment Program. Currently, 24 of these signatories have now received recognition, as determined by specific measured achievements.
The MBTA joined the APTA Sustainability Commitment in 2012 and through a strategic focus on sustainability has reduced its greenhouse gas emissions by 23 percent per passenger trip and increased its greenhouse gas savings by 9 percent. The emissions avoided by the MBTA are equal to the emissions associated with energy consumed by 83,468 homes.
Electricity and fuel use improved by 12 and 15 percent per passenger trip, respectively, from 2009 to 2012. Since 2012, the MBTA has purchased 20 percent of its electricity from renewable sources.
The MBTA participates in the GreenDOT Program, under the direction of MassDOT, which seeks to make all transportation related projects, operations, and policies more environmentally friendly. In addition, the MBTA has committed to all future construction meeting Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) guidelines. These design standards focus on energy efficiency, water management, renewable energy, land use, selection of sustainable materials, and recycling. For example, the new Hingham Ferry Terminal will include geothermal heating, an efficient carbon-free heating system, and many other sustainable features.
“The public transportation industry is committed to sustainability,” said APTA President and CEO Michael Melaniphy. “These new recipients are shining examples of how public transportation organizations are making a difference in implementing processes and actions that create continuous improvements in environmental, social, and economic sustainability.”
“We are thrilled and honored to receive this special recognition from our transit industry peers,” said MBTA General Manger Beverly Scott. “The MBTA is fully committed to improving its energy efficiency, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and curbing climate change.”
The full MBTA Sustainability Report for 2014 is posted on the MBTA’s website:
http://www.mbta.com/uploadedfiles/About_the_T/Environment/MBTA%202014%20Sustainability%20Report%20web%20ver..pdf
“Congratulations to our newest sustainability champions! Public transportation promotes healthy, vibrant, sustainable communities across the country, and these organizations have taken it to the next level,” said APTA Chair Peter Varga.
Started in 2009, 121 public transit agencies and businesses have signed on to the APTA Sustainability Commitment Program. Currently, 24 of these signatories have now received recognition, as determined by specific measured achievements.
The MBTA joined the APTA Sustainability Commitment in 2012 and through a strategic focus on sustainability has reduced its greenhouse gas emissions by 23 percent per passenger trip and increased its greenhouse gas savings by 9 percent. The emissions avoided by the MBTA are equal to the emissions associated with energy consumed by 83,468 homes.
Electricity and fuel use improved by 12 and 15 percent per passenger trip, respectively, from 2009 to 2012. Since 2012, the MBTA has purchased 20 percent of its electricity from renewable sources.
The MBTA participates in the GreenDOT Program, under the direction of MassDOT, which seeks to make all transportation related projects, operations, and policies more environmentally friendly. In addition, the MBTA has committed to all future construction meeting Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) guidelines. These design standards focus on energy efficiency, water management, renewable energy, land use, selection of sustainable materials, and recycling. For example, the new Hingham Ferry Terminal will include geothermal heating, an efficient carbon-free heating system, and many other sustainable features.
“The public transportation industry is committed to sustainability,” said APTA President and CEO Michael Melaniphy. “These new recipients are shining examples of how public transportation organizations are making a difference in implementing processes and actions that create continuous improvements in environmental, social, and economic sustainability.”
“We are thrilled and honored to receive this special recognition from our transit industry peers,” said MBTA General Manger Beverly Scott. “The MBTA is fully committed to improving its energy efficiency, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and curbing climate change.”
The full MBTA Sustainability Report for 2014 is posted on the MBTA’s website:
http://www.mbta.com/uploadedfiles/About_the_T/Environment/MBTA%202014%20Sustainability%20Report%20web%20ver..pdf
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