WMATA announces new sustainability initiative

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) yesterday unveiled a new initiative aimed at enhancing regional sustainability efforts through performance-based targets for ridership, travel mode share and regional greenhouse gas emissions.

The initiative also commits the agency to internal performance targets for energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, waste reduction, renewable energy, storm-water runoff impacts and potable water use, WMATA officials said in a press release.

Specifically, WMATA is working to increase ridership by 25 percent, reduce energy use per vehicle mile by 15 percent, cut greenhouse gas emissions per vehicle mile in half and reduce water use by 20 percent per vehicle mile — all by 2025, WMATA officials said in a press release.

Taken along with near-term action commitments, ranging from paperless meetings to a renewed commitment to lifecycle asset management, these internal sustainability targets set WMATA on a path to continue to rebuild efficiently to support a growing region, officials said.

In spring 2013, WMATA's board adopted "Momentum," the agency's strategic plan that includes sustainability efforts through 2025 and beyond.

"As a companion to Momentum, the sustainability initiative sets [WMATA] on course to maximize the value of the investment placed in the system while adding value to the region through increased mobility and transit-oriented land use," said General Manager and Chief Executive Officer Richard Sarles.