APTA recognizes members for sustainability

The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) last week recognized eight of its member organizations for sustainability achievements.

Amtrak and engineering firm TRC Cos. Inc. earned Gold Level recognition for their accomplishments. The national intercity passenger railroad has reduced electrical consumption at facilities through energy-efficient lighting products, automated building controls and facility-based energy plans.

For its part, TRC has reduced electricity by 16 percent per employee, APTA officials said in a press release.

HDR received the association's Silver Level recognition. The firm, which currently has 135 Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) projects, demonstrated adherence to APTA's core sustainability principles.

Louis Berger also earned Silver Level recognition following the recent adoption of a sustainability vision and policy.

Finally, Wendel received Bronze Level recognition. The company has established metrics to measure environmental, social and economic impacts for internal operations and project development.

The other honorees are the Jacksonville Transportation Authority in Jacksonville, Florida; the Regional Transportation Commission of Washoe County, Nevada; and the Transit Authority of River City in Louisville, Kentucky.

"Saving our environment while using new and sustainable business practices, sets public transportation up for a bright future," said Richard White, APTA's acting president and chief executive officer.  "Congratulations to these eight public transportation leaders who are on the leading edge of sustainability advances. The blueprint they are creating will be used by many in the future."