Projects
Metro has been 'green' for years. Now that there's greater public interest in the sustainability aspects of an enterprise, we're more than happy to point out many of our ongoing projects that have significant benefits to the triple bottom line of sustainability: people, planet, and profits. Our projects and programs with sustainability significance fall into three categories: Clean Air and Greenhouse Gas Initiatives, Energy Related Activities and Program Support.
Clean Air and Greenhouse Gas Initiatives
Integrated Planning and Management
Metro is responsible for the planning of all transportation projects within Los Angeles County. An integrated approach to improving air quality includes coordinated planning of sustainable transportation corridors within the region. Projects and Studies | Long Range Transportation Plan
Commuter/Employer Programs
Metro's Commute Services Department coordinates a region-wide effort to promote the use of transit and other alternative ways of reducing car dependency in Southern California. Commute Services
Emission Reduction Efforts
Metro operates the nation's largest compressed natural gas fleet. Metro will continue to be the leader in exploring cleaner ways to operate its transit system. Service Sectors | Clean Fuel Program
Legislative Coordination
The pace of the development of greenhouse gas reduction regulations and initiatives has significantly accelerated in the last year. Close monitoring of legislation will help to ensure Metro's accurate response to the evolving greenhouse gas reduction landscape. Government Relations
Trade Group Coordination
Metro has been coordinating with various non-profit organizations regarding sustainability and climate change management actions. One of the most important tasks we are currently involved with is the development of appropriate protocols so that transit agencies like Metro can more accurately report and better represent their carbon footprint calculations.
Clean Air Task Force
Created in December 2006 to maximize Metro's efforts in improving air quality.
Congestion Reduction Task Force
The Board of Directors directed the CEO in June 2007 to work with Caltrans and other agencies, as appropriate, to develop a detailed operating plan with at least three options for implementing congestion pricing in Los Angeles County by 2010. Congestion Reduction Choices
Energy Efficient and Sustainable Buildings
Metro is committed to designing and building structures that are greater than 10,000 square feet in area to meet or exceed the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver rating. LEED certified buildings are manifest to our agency's efforts in promoting and adopting sustainable construction and development. Metro is Getting Greener | link | News 1/25/08 | News 2/02/06
Installation of Additional Solar Panels
Installation of renewable energy infrastructure such as solar panels in various Metro facilities is taking place to relieve Metro's reliance on supported electrical power. Metro has the largest solar panel installation in the transit industry. Metro is Getting Greener | News 9/20/07
Renewable Resource Exploration
Development of Wayside Energy Storage Substation (WESS) pilot project. A WESS in an energy storage system to store energy from train braking that can be brought back to the grid and can be reused by the trains when needed. Metro is also exploring the possible use of wind energy. Metro is Getting Greener
Recycling and Reuse Policy
Metro has developed a policy to consider in all aspects of Planning, Construction, Operations, Procurement the reuse and recycling of materials in Metro and Metro-funded construction projects.
Sustainability Design Guidelines
Metro is currently developing Sustainability Design Guidelines that will be used for agencywide. The design guidelines shall incorporate sustainability elements, such as low impact development, recycled material usage, drought tolerant landscaping, reclaimed water use, etc.
Sustainability Transportation Corridor Development
Transit oriented development is currently being implemented system-wide. There is also an on-going effort to incorporate sustainable elements in the design of the Canoga Transportation Corridor Locally Preferred Alternative. Sustainable elements can include the use of drought tolerant plants, reclaimed water use, recycled or recyclable materials, non-structural stormwater treatment methods, energy conservation techniques, etc.
Sustainability Management System (SMS) Pilot Study
Develop a Sustainable Management System that incorporates the ISO 9001 (Quality), 14001 (Environment), and OHSAS 18001 (Safety) standards. This is a holistic approach towards creating a sustainable environment within the agency. Once implemented, secure ISO 9001 and 14001 and OHSAS 18001 certification.
FTA Environmental Management System (EMS) Grant Application
FTA will assist Metro in developing an Environmental Management System for at least one "Fenceline" site.
Region-wide Sustainability Program Coordination
Metro recognizes that various City and County governments are doing their own sustainability efforts, and in order to be successful must align plans, actions, and programs with the other government agencies within the Los Angeles Basin.
Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) Coordination
Ensure that Metro's Sustainability Efforts are in line with SCAG's Regional Comprehensive Plan (RCP).
Smart Growth Partners Reducing Regional Carbon Footprint
Coordinate with Metro's Planning and Joint Development groups on Transit Oriented Development Partnerships.
Public/Private Partnership Sustainable Product Demonstrations
Coordinate with private entities to conduct sustainable product demonstrations.
Metro Communications Coordination
Metro Communications has a significant role in both capturing Metro's current sustainability efforts as well as communicating to the general public our specific views and actions on sustainability. Communications is the voice of Metro's sustainability efforts.
ADA Compliance Coordination
Staff must ensure compliance of sustainability projects with American with Disabilities Act requirements.
Procurement and Material Management Coordination
Metro's ability to influence sustainability efforts throughout the region can be implemented through the proper leverage of our procurement practices. It is imperative that Metro look into developing policy details to comply with GEN 51 and our sustainability Vision and Mission Statements.