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Yesterday, New York’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) announced it will adopt a series of initiatives aimed at improving sustainability throughout the agency.

The authority is following the preliminary recommendations of MTA’s Commission on Sustainability, which MTA created in September 2007.

The commission’s preliminary report includes more than 20 recommendations. So far, MTA has committed to: derive 7 percent of its energy needs from solar, wind and other renewable sources by 2015; partner with state agencies in the governor’s Smart Growth Cabinet to promote transit-oriented development; develop green design standards for transit facilities based on the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design ratings; and map groundwater sources in MTA tunnels and properties, and identify industrial and beneficial uses.

For example, MTA plans to power a “significant portion” of the Roosevelt Island Subway Station with renewable tidal energy generated in the East River; add a high-performance roof at MTA Metro-North Railroad’s Harmon Yard Shop, and a white roof at the MTA Long Island Rail Road Hillsdale facility; offer incentive packages from various state agencies to encourage development at or near MTA stations; and evaluate ways MTA New York City Transit can use water harvested from the subway system.

Commission members will continue to meet throughout the year and release a final set of recommendations by 2008’s end.