Greetings!
Did you know that passenger cars contribute to 2/3 of the world's carbon monoxide gases and nearly 17% of all energy use in the US? It is on account of such staggering data that we, as transportation professionals, must take a stand to "green" up our transportation infrastructure.
Since, let's face it, it will take a united effort from all of us to change the social and environmental impacts of transportation. And that is exactly what is being spearheaded in Washington. Below we will examine some key legislation & funding, and why it is so important to go green. |
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The Issue of Funding In light of the recent economic crisis, we are seeing a shift from local to federal funding. Furthermore, the vast majority of federal legislation and funding opportunities are mandating the inclusion of green/sustainable initiatives.
What We Are Seeing: Grants and funding such as TIGER grants allocate funds for transportation projects with a significant, sustainable long-term impact. The DOT received over 1,400 applications from across the nation and awarded 51 projects totaling $2.2 billion.
What it Means: 1) More than ever, transportation professionals, agencies, and organizations must voice their needs to ensure proper funds are allocated to meet legislative goals; 2) PLAN-PLAN-PLAN. Funds will continue to come online and they will likely be highly competitive in nature, such as the TIGER grants discussed above. The key is to plan green initiatives now and get ahead of the game so when funding opportunities arise, you can immediately pursue them! |
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Tips for Kick-Starting your Plan
- >> Identify areas where your agency/firm could benefit from energy savings
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- >> Examine what has worked for other states, cities, or agencies - why reinvent the wheel?
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- >> Calculate ROI by looking at the time it would take to recoup the money invested as well as the continued benefits from green projects
- >> Educate or even certify team members on sustainable design and operations
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- >> Publish your own sustainability principles or best practices guidelines
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Green Legislation on the Horizon Below are some of the top new initiatives & legislation currently being discussed on Capitol Hill and moreover, what it means for us in the transportation industry. |
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IntelliDrive
Touted as the "Next Generation Milestone" in transportation technology, IntelliDrive is a major research program aimed at seamlessly connecting vehicles with the road. Equipping drivers with up-to-the-minute road conditions, from congestion to icy conditions, allows them to make more informed decisions, creating a safer, smarter, and greener transportation network.
What it Means: At the center of this entire plan is the intersection. Intersections will need to be smarter, wireless, and most importantly up-to-date with current technology. To ensure fund allocation, we must mobilize our local and national industry associations, such as NEMA and ITE, to impress upon Washington the crucial nature of providing funding to bring our intersection hardware and software up-to-date. |
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Learning to LEED
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is an internationally recognized certification program for sustainable building design and construction. Headed by the US Green Business Council (USBGC), LEED has achieved unprecedented success in not only unifying, but raising the bar on green standards and goals.
What it Means: If you haven't already heard about LEED, you will. The impressive results of LEED have encouraged the transportation industry to establish universal green standards, industry benchmarks, and certification programs for design excellence. The Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) is developing a LEED-like certification program for transportation operations, and politicians, including DOT Secretary Ray LaHood, are using LEED as a benchmark for transportation initiatives. |
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Make a Difference with McCain!
McCain maintains a webpage filled with tips and information for individuals and professionals alike searching for ways to be green. Visit McCain's green website for information on ways to make an impact!
Next Month: Next month's newsletter will focus on the impact of coordinated signal timing and the power of adaptive control to reduce congestion and help you go green! | |
Connect with McCain online through one of the following social networks.
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ITS America
Houston, TX
May 3-5, 2010
Las Vegas, NV
May 10-13, 2010 |
Go
Green |
Simple solutions can help reduce congestion and save energy: |
Signals - Reduce energy consumption with LED lights
Cabinets - Utilize energy-efficient power supplies and eliminate the harmful toxin mercury
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