To lead the way in environmental stewardship, HART has fully implemented an Environmental & Sustainability Management System (ESMS) at its primary maintenance facility. The result is a daily reduction of carbon emissions, waste, and energy and water usage.
Completion of the intensive ESMS training and implementation initiative, which began in 2013, is a major milestone and creates the foundation for HART to achieve ISO 14001 certification, which is the highest-rated environmental standard in the world.
As HART Chief Financial Officer and the agency's sustainability champion Jeff Seward explains, "HART is creating a high-performance culture. We're focused on protecting the environment in which we operate and reducing the agency's carbon footprint. This is certain to improve the environment for the community we serve, while providing long-term economic benefits to HART."
HART recently passed its final FTA/Virginia Tech ESMS audit with flying colors, achieving an overall score of 98% out of a possible 100%. The audit included an on-site inspection of HART facilities, documents, interviews of personnel, and the observation of activities and environmental conditions. The lead auditor and principal investigator for the ESMS Institute wrote that the HART team "put forth a tremendous effort and has demonstrated diligence, commitment, and professionalism. They have provided the degree of thought and foresight into the planning and development that is required to succeed with the ESMS implementation phase."
He also recommended that HART is ready to take the final step toward full ISO 14001 certification. The agency's next step is to solicit an external ISO 14001 audit firm to complete the certification process for this global standard during the summer. Upon certification HART will lead the way as one of only 35 transit agencies in North America that meets the stringent ISO 14001 international environmental standard. That will ensure that the agency's commitment to the environment meets not only local, state and federal criteria, but the highest global standard.
The ESMS program demonstrates the agency's long-standing commitment to environmental responsibility while enhancing workplace health and safety and reducing overall operational costs. Currently, the HART sustainability goals include a reduction of carbon emissions by 4,285 metric tons as well as a 5% reduction in both water and energy consumption. All of the goals have a completion date of 2018. Last year alone, HART provided over 14.9 million rides, taking thousands of cars off the highways and significantly cutting greenhouse gas emissions.
Water conservation initiatives at HART include the installation of more efficient bus washing equipment and appropriate use of reclaimed water. HART is also completing the installation of solar panels in all bus shelters to save electrical energy, and practices sustainable landscaping principles when beautifying its shelters and other properties for the benefit of the greater community.
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