On Earth Day Cincinnati Metro celebrated its one-year anniversary as part of a national transit environmental commitment with the American Public Transportation Association.

During its first year, Metro accomplished the following:

• Diverted 47,600 pounds of waste from landfills… the equivalent weight of almost two buses.

• Recycled 500 pounds of florescent light bulbs.

• Reduced trash collection costs by 57%.

• Saved more than $11,000 through improved efficiency and recycling.

“We’re setting higher sustainability goals and are taking more aggressive steps towards becoming an even greener organization,”  said Metro CEO/GM Dwight Ferrell.

Metro has also created two new employee-led groups, a Sustainability Steering Committee tasked with evaluating the organizations current processes, conducting baseline inventory of environmental indicators, and making recommendations for organizational improvements, as well as a Green Team who is focused on creating and implementing employee education and outreach programs.

Several of Metro’s employees were recently selected by the Federal Transit Administration to participate in a two-year training program designed to provide transit organizations with tools to help them manage their environmental impact.

Additionally, Metro has 27 hybrids and 115 “mini-hybrids” in its fleet, making taking the bus in Cincinnati one of the most environmentally-responsible alternatives to driving a car. Metro also utilizes environmentally-friendly practices when maintaining its fleet and facilities, including using rainwater to wash buses, burning waste oil to heat garages, recycling and reusing motor fluids in addition to paper, plastic, cans and metals.

Green partnerships
In 2012, the Greater Cincinnati Earth Coalition selected Metro to receive the Cincinnati Earth Day Celebration’s Environmental Award in recognition of its sustainability practices.

Metro is also a member of the local Green Umbrella organization working to improve the economic vitality and quality of life in the region around Cincinnati by maximizing the collective impact of individuals and organizations dedicated to environmental sustainability.