SEPTA report charts sustainability actions in 2018

The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) yesterday released its 2018 report on sustainability actions, which included the completion of a transit energy storage project and installation of solar panels on rail maintenance facilities.

The transit energy storage project captures, stores and reuses the energy created by braking trains on the Market-Frankford and Broad Street subway lines in Philadelphia, according to a press release.

SEPTA’s report also highlighted the authority’s second largest solar project in Philadelphia. Three megawatts of panels are currently being installed on the roofs of four rail maintenance facilities. 

The sustainability report also outlines:

• progress on an infrastructure resilience program with projects to reinforce power, rail right of way, and stormwater systems in an ongoing effort to guard against the impacts of extreme weather;
• the release of soliciting proposals to convert 10 percent to 20 percent of SEPTA's base electrical load to renewable energy;
• implementation of a building energy retrofit program that self-funds facility upgrades through guaranteed energy savings generated by each project; and
• certification of a second maintenance facility under the globally recognized ISO14001 standard for environmental management.

"SEPTA's sustainability program has generated millions of dollars in cost savings, grants and new revenues, benefiting both the environment and the bottom line," said SEPTA Board Chairman Pasquale Deon.