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New York City Transit and the Environment Every day, each person who chooses to travel by bus or train contributes to a cleaner environment. That translates into approximately 700,000 cars kept out of New York City's central business district daily. It also means 400 million fewer pounds of soot, carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and other toxic substances released each year into the city's air. But we do more at NYC Transit than transporting seven million people a day. We also develop programs to improve the environment. ISO 14001 - Environmental Management System NYC Transit's Department of Capital Program Management is certified and registered to the ISO 14001 Standard. Read about what ISO 14001is and its benefits. Environmental Policy NYC Transit believes that you shape the world by what you do. Read the details of our commitment to better transportation and a better environment. Contractor/Consultant Environmental Management System Awareness Contractors and Consultants working for NYCTs Capital Program Management have a role in achieving conformity with the Environmental Management System. Learn about the importance of conformance and its benefits. Sustainable Development Sustainable development supports the idea of maintaining healthy, natural systems and supporting financial growth simultaneously. Learn how NYC Transit has promoted sustainability, balancing our transportation system with the eco-system. Green Building Program Green Building projects emphasize water, energy, and materials conservation while also minimizing waste and pollution. Discover why bus depots, subway stations, maintenance shops, and other NYC Transit facilities are getting greener. The Clean Fuel Bus Program NYC Transit is a leader in the field of alternative fuel sources and new technologies for cleaner buses. We were the first public transit system in the country to switch all diesel buses to ultra-low sulfur fuel. Follow our progress. Storm Water Management Program (SWMP) Read an introduction to NYC Transit procedures for storm water management as regulated by the Federal Clean Water Act. Energy Conservation How can NYC Transit save electricity when it runs the largest fleet of subway cars in the world at all hours, 365 days a year? Here's how we're doing it. ISO 14001 Environmental Management System ISO 14000 Series ISO stands for International Organization for Standardization.The ISO 14000 series of voluntary standards allow products and services to be provided, manufactured, and distributed in accordance with the internationally agreed environmental management criteria.The ISO 14000 series focuses on the environment. It encourages organizations and businesses to consider the impacts that their services, activities, and products have on the world around them. What is an ISO 14001 EMS? An EMS is an Environmental Management System. ISO 14001 is the EMS standard of the ISO 14000 series. An EMS is a structured, measurable system for identifying and measuring an organizations environmental impacts. It provides a disciplined framework within which an organization can integrate its environmental programs to achieve its environmental policy goals. The American National Standards Institute has endorsed ISO 14001 as the EMS standard for the United States. What is the Purpose of the EMS? What are the Benefits? NYCTs Department of Capital Program Management (CPM) has established an Environmental Management System (EMS) in order to align itself with CPMs Mission to improve New York Citys transit system by designing and building world class capital projects. CPMs EMS follows the requirements of the ISO 14001 2004 International Standard. It is CPMs intention that the implementation of an Environmental Management System under ISO 14001 will result in improved environmental performance. The EMS provides a structured process for achievement of continuous improvement and is a tool that will enable CPM to control the level of environmental performance that it sets for itself. The successful implementation of CPMs EMS should result in a reduction of adverse environmental impacts by creating a documented process that helps identify potential impacts so that these impacts can be reduced, minimized or eliminated. The ISO 14001 EMS standard contains management system requirements based on the dynamic cyclical process of Plan, Do, Check and Act. EMS Benefits include: Improved and enhanced environmental performance; Pollution prevention and resource conservation; Increased efficiency and reduction in costs; Enhanced employee morale; Employee awareness of environmental issues and responsibilities; and Reduction/mitigation of risks Significant Aspect The significant aspect associated with CPM work is Resource Efficiency/Sustainability ISO 14001 Registration and The Future NYC Transit (Department of CPM) is the first public agency in the United States and the first transit entity in the world to have an EMS certified to ISO 14001. CPM is leading an effort to incorporate the concept of ISO 14001 in all its design and construction projects. Our effort is aimed at continual design improvement so as to maximize energy efficiency, gradual change to clean energy resources, improved indoor environment; source reduction by usage of recycled and reusable materials, pollution prevention, building operations resource management including conservation of water. Our proficiency with sustainable concepts, technologies, renewables, and other high efficiency materials and procedures will help ensure NYCTs commitment to a better environment. CPMs commitment to environmental leadership includes doing business with contractors and consultants who fulfill their environmental obligations responsibly. CPM is communicating with all its contractors and consultants to create an awareness of its EMS program. Environmental Policy MTA New York City Transits Department of Capital Program Management (CPM) is committed to the safe design, management, construction and renovation of NYC Transit Authority subway, bus and train facilities. The safety of all staff, contractors, passengers and the public, and protection of the environment, are among our highest priorities. In conformance with NYCT's Environmental Management Policy and Program, CPM will establish, implement and maintain an Environmental Management System (EMS) that conforms with the ISO 14001 EMS Standard and provides a disciplined framework within which we will fulfill our environmental responsibilities and continually improve our environmental performance. In this endeavor, CPM will: Consider the actual and potential environmental aspects and impacts of our operations and activities at all stages of our projects. Set EMS objectives and targets, and periodically review them in order to continually improve our EMS and environmental performance. Establish department environmental procedures and programs, including those fostering the prevention of pollution. Adhere to all applicable environmental laws and regulations, as well as to our voluntary environmental commitments. Use our best efforts to minimize, and eliminate where practicable, significant adverse environmental impacts of our projects on our employees, contractor personnel, passengers and the communities in which projects are located. Document, implement and maintain our EMS. Communicate our EMS and this policy to all CPM employees, to those working on our behalf, and to the public. Back to top Contractor and Consultant Awareness a) What is the importance of conformity with the environmental policy and the requirements of the EMS for those working on our behalf? To ensure Contractor/Consultant compliance with environmental regulations and NYCT policies dealing with environmental matters. To minimize environmental impacts associated with Contractor/Consultant work. Potential cost savings may be associated with several aspects of the EMS including Design for the Environment (DfE) and ensuring legal compliance (e.g. less fines). Public posture is enhanced creating a spirit of cooperation between the public and the organization. b) What is the significant environmental aspect associated with Contractor/Consultant work, and the environmental benefits of improved personal performance? The significant aspect associated with CPM work is Resource Efficiency/Sustainability. If everyone who works on CPM projects understands this aspect there is an increased probability that negative impacts to the environment will be minimized. Positive impacts including saving natural resources, using less energy, pollution prevention and being less intrusive to the public will be optimized. c) What are the roles and responsibilities of Contractors/Consultants in achieving conformity with the requirements of the EMS? To achieve conformity Contractors/Consultants simply need to follow all CPM specifications and guidelines already in their contracts, especially those affecting the environment (e.g. 12 series specs, noise thresholds). In addition, being aware of CPMs significant aspects will enable Contractors/Consultants to flag situations where one of these aspects may be involved in their particular project, and they can then assist the department in developing a plan of action to mitigate potential impacts. d) What are the potential consequences of departure? Consequences of departure include negative impacts on the environment including: air pollution, water contamination, wetland degradation, and human toxic exposure. All are situations we want to avoid. Sustainable Development Sustainable development supports the concept that economic and social development is complementary to environmental protection. It involves both long and short-term planning to increase community and business growth and productivity without diminishing the health and productivity of supporting and surrounding natural systems. NYC Transit has implemented many programs that promote sustainability. In December 2003, NYC Transit became a Full Signatory member of the International Association of Public Transport (L' Union Internationale des Transports Publics, or UITP) Charter on Sustainable Development. However, NYC Transit's commitment to sustainable development began a number of years ago. In 2000, NYC Transits Department of Buses launched the Clean Fuel Bus Program to improve air quality. In June 2001, New York State Governor George E. Pataki issued Executive Order (EO) 111, Green and Clean State Buildings and Vehicles. This directive sets goals for green building designs, energy-efficient State buildings, energy from renewable sources, and the procurement of energy-efficient products, and alternative fuel vehicles. All NYC Transit departments (as well as other MTA agencies) are working in compliance with EO 111 and continuing sustainable development efforts. Back to top Green Building Program New York City Transit is working toward fulfilling the requirements of New York State Executive Order 111, Green and Clean State Buildings and Vehicles, under the auspices of the MTA. NYC Transit Capital Program Management's Environmental Management System (EMS) incorporates Design for the Environment (DfE) which assures that all construction projects - from building design to subway expansion -consider ways to increase energy efficiency; enhance indoor environmental quality; conserve water and natural resources; and make beneficial use of waste, e.g., recycling programs. Some project examples: Harnessing renewable energy The renovated Stillwell Avenue Terminal (Coney Island -Stillwell Avenue station, Brooklyn) has 60,000 feet of integrated photovoltaic paneled roof, which is expected to produce 210 kilowatts of solar power. This is the first NYC Transit subway station to use solar energy.
Platform view of photovoltaic roof at the Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue subway station, Brooklyn. .
Conserving water The New Corona Car Washer and Maintenance Facility (Queens) is being designed to use rainwater and recycle wash water in its subway car wash. When rainwater falls on the roof of the Corona maintenance building, drain lines will transport it to an underground trough. Additional pipes will carry recycled water to the car wash. See how the car wash works by clicking here The Corona project will use the sun as well as rain. A photovoltaic (solar cell) system captures sunlight and generates electricity. Natural light (daylighting) replaces artificial light during the day. The building will also have natural ventilation to reduce the use of mechanical air circulation. The result is a healthier, greener, more energy-efficient environment. Additionally, the Corona facility will have a 200-kilowatt fuel cell system installed by the New York Power Authority. A fuel cell is an electrochemical energy device that generates electricity for powering motors, lights, buildings, etc. Fuel cells convert hydrogen and oxygen into heat and electricity. This creates power more efficiently, and with less pollution. In fact, the facility is projected to exceed the state code for energy efficiency by 36 percent.

Recycling materials and reducing landfill needs The Roosevelt Avenue-74th Street subway station (Queens) rehabilitation has diverted more than 85 percent of demolition waste (e.g., concrete, steel, wood) from landfill to recyclers. In July 2004, New York City's Department of Environmental Protection (NYC DEP) in cooperation with the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), announced the winners of its first Green Buildings Design Competition to demonstrate ways to integrate green building ideas in new and existing New York City structures. The Roosevelt Avenue -74th Street project received an award for excellence in the use of good design principles and the integration of green building technologies. The New Corona Maintenance Shop and Car Washer received honorable mention for excellence in integrating sustainable design strategies into a railcar maintenance facility. Back to top The Clean Fuel Bus Program In order to accommodate customers who used wheelchairs, NYC Transit purchased buses with wheelchair lifts in the early 1980s; the entire fleet became accessible in 1995. NYC Transit was the first public agency in the world to have a 100 percent accessible fleet, and it also has the largest number of accessible buses of any public transit agency. NYC Transit also explored ways to make its bus fleet better for customers by introducing environmentally friendly features. New York City Transit had already launched an alternative fuel vehicle program when Governor George Pataki and the State Legislature announced a historic plan on June 1, 2000 to transform the NYC Transit bus fleet into the cleanest in the world. Since then, more than $300 million from the 2000-2004 Capital Program has been dedicated to the Clean Fuel Bus Program with the following results: In September 2000 NYC Transit became the first public transportation system in the country to switch all diesel buses in the fleet to ultra-low sulfur fuel, which has 90 percent less sulfur than traditional fuel and reduces emissions. To date 642 buses have been repowered with new technology diesel engines that are up to 94 percent cleaner burning. In addition, NYC Transit retired its last 2-stroke diesel engines in the summer of 2005. More than 90 percent of the entire fleet of diesel engines has been retrofitted with diesel particulate filters, an emissions control technology that reduces diesel particulate emissions from engines by as much as 95 percent. NYC Transit will retrofit the remainder of the fleet by the end of 2007. In addition, 750 new buses have been delivered with diesel particulate filters. NYC Transit has the largest hybrid-electric bus fleet in North America. By the end of 2007 the hybrid fleet will exceed 550 buses. The Jackie Gleason Depot converted to natural gas operations in 1999. The West Farms depot opened in 2003; today, half its fleet is compressed natural gas (CNG) buses. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) presented the Clean Air Excellence Award to New York City Transit's Department of Buses for the purchase of hybrid electric buses, its use of ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel and diesel particulate filters, and its diesel engine repowering program. In November 2005, the California Transportation Energy Future Conference gave New York City Transit's Department of Buses its Blue Sky Merit Award for contributions to clean air and energy efficiency.
NYC Transit introduced hybrid-electric buses into the fleet in 1998 and will have 550 in service by the end of 2007.	More than 400 CNG (compressed natural gas) buses are in service.
Back to top Storm Water Management Program (SWMP) MTA New York City Transit created a Storm Water Management Program (SWMP) in accordance with United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) requirements for storm water regulations under the Federal Clean Water Act. The program establishes procedures to reduce pollutants caused by storm water runoff at NYC Transit facilities. Pollution control measures include construction site runoff controls, spill response and prevention, and waste management. Visit www.mta.nyc.ny.us/nyct/storminfo/storminfo.htm for more detailed information. Energy Management and Conservation In 1996 NYC Transit began the Subway Car Shunting Program, one of its most successful energy conservation projects. By modulating the acceleration rate of the 5,800-car subway fleet, NYC Transit saves 240 million-kilowatt hours of electricity annually. The New Technology subway car fleet has regenerative braking. This feeds energy into the Third Rail that would otherwise be lost as heat when the train stops. New subway cars have regenerative brakes to conserve energy when trains stop. This is part of NYC Transit's sustainable development policies. Train Signals New York City Transit is currently replacing incandescent train signals with highly efficient light emitting diode (LED) signals. High Efficiency Lighting Program Throughout the subway system (including tunnels) fluorescent lamps are replacing incandescent lamps. As a result, station lighting has increased 750 percent, tunnel lighting has increased 500 percent, and NYC Transit saves $4.8 million per year. Back to top

New York City Transit and the Environment