Sound Transit releases sustainability report, 2011 goals

Seattle-based Sound Transit announced the release of a report on the agency's record in meeting 2010 sustainability goals and its establishment of ambitious new goals for 2011.

Setting annual sustainability targets is part of the agency's voluntary compliance with rigorous international standards for environmental management systems. Sound Transit is one of only several transit agencies in the U.S. to receive certification under ISO 14001 standards.

Accomplishments outlined in the agency's 2010 Sustainability Progress Report include:

• Installing new electric wayside power units for Sounder locomotives at the Everett Sounder Station. These units allow the Sounder trains to maintain heat and power during layovers without burning diesel fuel.
• Reducing non-revenue fleet fuel consumption by 15 percent.
• Reducing energy use at Union Station by 8 percent.
• Increasing bicycle parking by 150 spaces.
• Implementing ecosystem restoration projects.
• Incorporating sustainable design into agency design guidelines and standards.

For 2011, Sound Transit will continue to advance the agency's Sustainability Initiative by focusing its efforts on 31 sustainability targets including:

• Developing and implementing a long-term strategic plan for the Sustainability Initiative.
• Purchasing at least 21 hybrid replacement buses.
• Developing an Energy Management Strategy for Sound Transit properties to reduce energy consumption.
• Reducing Sounder fuel consumption by 1.5 percent.
• Applying sustainable design criteria at each phase of Link light rail expansion.

For the full 2010 Sustainability Progress Report and list of 2011 targets, click here.