It seems everyone is searching for ways to become green and promote sustainability in their homes, workplaces and communities. Increasingly, we are using less, recycling more and replacing what we must with more environmentally friendly alternatives. And, judging by the number of green products and services available to us, the ubiquity of green stories in the media and references to green in everything from construction to school curricula, it appears sustainability likely is more than just a passing trend of the new millennium, but rather a collective vision shared by many across countless industries and disciplines.

Transit agencies across the United States and around the world are called to be green as well. Some agencies are just embarking on the journey toward green while others are well along the way. Like so many other businesses in the United States, they are examining their infrastructures, equipment and processes and identifying ways to become more environmentally friendly at every level of their organizations.

By nature of our profession, transit agencies and operators are innate stewards of the environment and conservation. Public transportation reduces the number of vehicles on roadways; thereby reducing fuel consumption and carbon emissions. What’s more, greening our industry makes good business sense. By promoting energy efficiency in building design and construction, reusing and recycling materials, implementing environmentally friendly processes and electing to use alternative fuels and green equipment, transit agencies can directly benefit their bottom line in the form of short- and long-term cost savings and improved margins.

As if these are not enough reasons to encourage the continued “greening” of our industry, consider that we are likely to see legislation and taxes aimed at curbing carbon output. In April, the Environmental Protection Agency classified carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases as harmful pollutants and proposed reporting mandates and tougher emissions limits. Public demand for sustainable trains, buses, structures and processes also has never been higher. The communities we serve are looking for sustainable mass transit that is reliable, efficient and affordable. We have a tremendous opportunity to take a proactive, leadership position on this issue and to set the standard for sustainability in both the public and private sector.

Reducing Your Agency’s Carbon Footprint
First and foremost, agencies must create a culture that supports carbon management and this must become an integral part of how your organization conducts business.
It cannot be a one-off project or separate initiative. Rather, it must permeate every department, from operations and procurement to maintenance and human resources, and it must start at the top. Without the passionate support and adoption of the executive team, it will be extremely difficult, and nearly impossible, for an organization to effectively reduce its carbon footprint. Remember the old adage “actions speak louder than words” and “lead by example.” If your organization is serious about sustainability, prove it to your employees, partners and customers in the way you do business.

“Green” your thinking and behaviors and help every employee see his or her world through a green filter. Just as safety likely is a cornerstone of your organization, sustainability must be as well. Similar to how every decision is made within the context of promoting and maintaining a safe working and riding environment, so too must sustainability be a lens through which your employees see their responsibility to their workplace, their customers and one another. As with safety, success in sustainability depends on everyday actions by every member of your team.