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Sustainability Performance Measure Examples D-1
Appendix D
Sustainability Performance Measure Examples
This appendix provides a set of examples in practice for a selected set of performance measures
from the compendium. For each goal, one measure per focus area has been illustrated by an
example of a similar measure in use by a transportation agency. Many of the measures are not
exact duplicates but retain the same value or intention. In some cases the agency examples are
more specific than those in the compendium. In a handful of cases the focus areas are combined
and one measure is used due to the similarities in the compendium.
In addition to the actual measure that is included, the documents these measures come from
(website links are provided) are valuable resources for agencies building a sustainability
performance measures program. The range of documents listed as references also provides an
indication of the types of departments, programs, and policies that incorporate measures that can
be used for sustainability measurement.
Goal 1: Provide a Safe Transportation System for Users and the General Public
Focus area: Planning
Objective: Reduce the severity of crashes
Measure: Change in the number and severity of crashes
Agency: Minnesota DOT (MnDOT)
Document/website: Minnesota Statewide Transportation Policy Plan
http://www.dot.state.mn.us/planning/stateplan/Final%20Plan%20Documents/Policy%20Plan/PD
F/AppendixD.pdf
Agency example measure: Annual number of severe or incapacitating injuries on all Minnesota
roads
Methodology: A severe or incapacitating injury, classified as a Type A injury in crash reports, is
defined as an injury (other than fatal) that prevents the injured person from walking, driving, or
normally continuing the activities he or she was capable of performing before the injury
occurred. Hospitalization is usually required. This measure tracks the annual total number of
severe incapacitating injuries on all state and local roads.
Data source: Department of Public Safety Office of Traffic Safety's crash data
Analysis scale: Roadway, local, regional, statewide
Background: The Minnesota Statewide Transportation Policy Plan identifies 10 major policy
areas. This measure supports the first policy area, traveler safety. This policy's goal is to "reduce
the number of fatalities and serious injuries for all travel modes." MnDOT has a Toward Zero
Deaths initiative as an overall target for their safety goal. While that is the focus, severe injury
crashes are also of great concern.
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D-2 A Guidebook for Sustainability Performance Measurement for Transportation Agencies
Focus area: Programming
Objective: Prioritized projects with explicit safety considerations
Measure: Change in number of programmed projects with highest reduction in crashes out of
all alternatives
Agency: Arizona DOT (ADOT)
Document/website: Arizona Strategic Highway Safety Plan
http://www.azdot.gov/highways/traffic/TSS/SHSP/AZ_Strategic_Highway_Safety_Plan.pdf
Agency example measure: Number of signalized intersections converted to roundabouts
Methodology: This measure is based on data showing the reduction in crashes for intersections
converted from signals to roundabouts. The measure is a calculation of the number of projects
included in the funded program.
Data source: Arizona DOT
Analysis scale: Roadway, local, regional, statewide
Background: The Arizona Strategic Highway Safety Plan underlies the state's safety vision:
"Zero fatalities on Arizona roads; your life depends on it," or the Every One Counts vision. The
state's safety goal is to reduce the number of fatalities by 12%. To achieve this goal, the state
selected six emphasis areas:
1. Restraint usage,
2. Speeding,
3. Young drivers,
4. Impaired driving,
5. Roadway/roadside (lane departure and intersections), and
6. Data improvement.
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Sustainability Performance Measure Examples D-3
Focus area: Project development
Objective: Develop project with explicit safety considerations
Measure: Selected project design has highest reduction out of all alternatives
Agency: ADOT
Document/website: Comprehensive Approach to Wildlife Protection on State Route 260
http://environment.fhwa.dot.gov/ecosystems/eei/az.asp
Agency example measure: Use of engineering measures (wildlife-proof fencing, escape ramps,
and one-way gates) to keep elk (and other animals) off the highway
Methodology: ADOT worked in partnership with the Arizona Game and Fish Department
(AGFD) to build bridges and other barriers that will enable elk and other animals to safely cross
under the highway (or contain them) to reach critical watering sites and other habitat vital to their
survival. In a pilot study, AGFD fitted 36 elk with GPS collars to track their movement along the
highways and determine seasonal movements. The research has shown that the animals are using
the underpasses.
Data sources: Arizona DOT and AGFD
Analysis scale: Roadway, local
Background: This project started as part of a road-widening project from a two-lane route to a
four-lane divided highway.
Focus areas: Construction and maintenance
Objective: Reduce crash risk in work zones
Measure: Change in number of crashes per time unit within a particular work zone
Agency: Kentucky Transportation Center
Document/website: Improve Safety of Workers During Highway Construction and Maintenance
http://www.ktc.uky.edu/Reports/KTC_07_16_SPR_323_05_1F.pdf
Agency example measure: Use of a range of engineering and operations measures to reduce the
number of accidents in work zones
Methodology: This study collected survey data from construction and maintenance field
workers, managers, and engineers. The data highlighted the four most significant safety
improvements needed in the state.
Data source: Kentucky Transportation Center
Analysis scale: Statewide
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D-4 A Guidebook for Sustainability Performance Measurement for Transportation Agencies
Background: The objective of this study was to identify best safety practices for workers on
highway construction and maintenance projects. Although the study does not specifically
develop performance measures, it does recommend a series of actions that state DOTs can take
to improve safety, which could easily be translated into performance measures.
Focus area: System operations
Objective: Reduce the crash risk of the traveling public using transit
Measure: Number of fatal and disabling injuries sustained by transit users as a portion of
100 million passenger miles traveled or of 100,000 riders
Agency: King County Metro Transit, Washington
Document/website: 2009 Annual Management Report
http://metro.kingcounty.gov/am/reports/2009/2009-QMRyearend.pdf
Agency example measure: Accidents per million miles
Methodology: King County Metro Transit records the number of vehicle and passenger
accidents each year. They classify accidents as preventable and unpreventable.
Data source: King County Metro Transit
Analysis scale: Service area
Background: The annual report provides information and the transit agency's operating and
financial statistics.
Goal 2: Provide a Transportation System That Offers Accessibility That Allows People to
Fulfill at Least Their Basic Needs
Focus area: Planning
Objective: Ensure accessibility to jobs
Measure: Change in the number of jobs within reasonable travel time (by mode) for region's
population
Agency: Metropolitan Transportation Commission, California
Document/website: Transportation 2030 Equity Analysis Report
http://www.mtc.ca.gov/planning/2030_plan/downloads/EJ/T2030EquityAnalysisReport.pdf
Agency example measure: Number of jobs accessible by auto and transit within 15, 30, and
45 minutes
Methodology: This evaluation factor measures the number of jobs accessible by auto and transit
for each of the alternatives for communities of concern and the remainder of the Bay
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Sustainability Performance Measure Examples D-5
Area. The analysis measures jobs accessible by both modes within 15, 30, and 45 minutes. The
forecasts include regional population projections for 2030 as well as job growth projected for
2030. For this measure, job accessibility is considered representative of other key destinations
such as hospitals, retail, government centers, and so forth.
Data source: Metropolitan Transportation Commission
Analysis scale: Regional
Background: This measure is included in the Metropolitan Transportation Commission's 2030
Equity Analysis Report. The report measures the benefits and burdens associated with the
proposed transportation projects in the Transportation 2030 plan to ensure that minority and low-
income communities receive equitable benefits without shouldering a disproportionate share of
the burdens.
Focus area: Programming
Objective: Program projects that increase access to essential destinations
Measure: Change in travel time (by mode) to schools, health services, grocery stores, civic
and public spaces, and recreation due to project
Agency: Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT)
Document/website: Driven by Excellence: A Report on Transportation Performance
Management at MDOT
http://www.michigan.gov/documents/mdot/MDOT_DrivenExcellenceReport_323894_7.pdf
Agency example measure: Number of Michigan counties that provide some form of local bus
service
Methodology: MDOT tracks the number of counties (out of 83) that offer some level of bus
transit service to residents.
Data source: MDOT
Analysis scale: County, state
Background: MDOT produced this report to provide its customers with an overview of how the
transportation system in the state is functioning. The measures included in the report are linked
to the four goal areas of the Michigan Transportation Plan: stewardship, safety and security,
system improvement, and efficient and effective operation.
MDOT views transit service as an important lower-cost transportation service and a critical
service to maintain for its residents. Currently there is transit service in all 83 counties, but
service is very limited in some counties. MDOT's goal is protect the existing system, although it
also recognizes the gaps that exist and could be improved.
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D-6 A Guidebook for Sustainability Performance Measurement for Transportation Agencies
Focus area: Project development
Objective: Develop projects that increase access to essential destinations
Measure: Change in travel time (by mode) to schools, health services, grocery stores, civic
and public spaces, and recreation due to selected project alternative
Agency: Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC)
Document/website: Vision 2040
http://www.psrc.org/assets/366/FullReport.pdf
Agency example measure: Travel mode splits, travel times, and delay by county and major
corridor, and by regional geography (including designated centers)
Methodology: PSRC uses a range of data to calculate mode splits, travel times, and delay in key
travel areas.
Data sources: U.S. Census, PSRC Household Travel Survey, Washington State Department of
Transportation
Analysis scale: County, corridor, regional geography, designated centers
Background: Vision 2040 was developed to create a shared strategy for moving the central
Puget Sound region toward a sustainable future. Central to the document and policies is the
concept of "People, Places, Prosperity."
Focus area: Construction and maintenance
Objective: Reduce delay to commuters due to construction or maintenance activities
Measure: Change in travel time delay for commuters due to construction or maintenance
activities
Agency: The National Work Zone Safety Information Clearinghouse
Document/website: Work Zone Safety Performance Measures Guidance Booklet
http://www.workzonesafety.org/fhwa_wz_grant/atssa/atssa_wz_performance_measures
Agency example measure: Travel time/delay during construction or maintenance
Methodology: Relies on good baseline information; data are collected on commute days
(Monday through Friday, not including holidays). Delay value can be scaled based on
project/traffic characteristics.
Data source: The National Work Zone Safety Information Clearinghouse
Analysis scale: Project, local, county, corridor
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Sustainability Performance Measure Examples D-7
Background: The National Work Zone Safety Information Clearinghouse is dedicated to
providing the transportation construction industry and the general public with comprehensive
information to improve motorist, worker, and pedestrian safety in work zones.
Focus Area: System operations
Objective: Improve travel time reliability to jobs and other essential destinations through
operational improvements
Measure: Change in the reliability of travel time per mode per destination type
Agency: Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT)
Document/website: 2010 Congestion Report
http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/Accountability/Congestion/2010.htm
Agency example measure: Range of percentiles reliability analysis
Methodology: WSDOT uses the reliable travel time measure using multiple percentile
thresholds as part of their travel time analysis for 38 high-demand Puget Sound commute routes.
Reliability percentile analysis looks at travel times at the 50th percentile (median), 80th
percentile, 90th percentile, and 95th percentile values. The 95th percentile reliability score is the
duration that gets drivers to their destination on time 95% of the time.
Data source: WSDOT collects real-time data for 52 commute routes in the Puget Sound region,
two commute routes in Spokane, and for other highways throughout the State.
Analysis scale: Corridor, local, regional, statewide
Background: WSDOT produces an annual analysis of travel statewide with an emphasis on
major commute routes in the more densely populated areas of the state. The 2010 Congestion
Report provides WSDOT with an evaluation of the success of their congestion relief projects and
strategies.
Goal 3: Provide Options That Allow Affordable and Equitable Transportation Options for
All Sections of Society
Focus area: Planning
Objective: Ensure accessibility to jobs and essential destinations for all communities
Measure: Relative change in the level of access for disadvantaged populations to jobs,
schools, health services, grocery stores, civic and public spaces, and recreation
Agency: Metropolitan Transportation Commission, California
Document/website: Transportation 2030 Equity Analysis Report
http://www.mtc.ca.gov/planning/2030_plan/downloads/EJ/T2030EquityAnalysisReport.pdf
Agency example measure: Access and travel time to essential destinations by auto and transit
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D-8 A Guidebook for Sustainability Performance Measurement for Transportation Agencies
Methodology: This evaluation factor measures the travel time to essential destinations by auto
and transit for communities of concern and the remainder of the Bay Area. Essential destinations
include schools, food stores, health services, and local services (e.g., banks and post offices). The
Transportation 2030 investment alternatives are compared against this measure.
Data source: Metropolitan Transportation Commission
Analysis scale: Regional
Background: This measure is included in the Metropolitan Transportation Commission's 2030
Equity Analysis Report. The report measures the benefits and burdens associated with the
proposed transportation projects in the Transportation 2030 plan to ensure that minority and low-
income communities receive equitable benefits without shouldering a disproportionate share of
the burdens.
Focus area: Programming
Objective: Program transportation projects that improve transportation infrastructure
equitably
Measure: Change in ratio of transportation disadvantaged to non-disadvantaged population
benefitting from program
Agency: Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG)
Document/website: 2008 Regional Transportation Plan Environmental Justice Report
http://www.scag.ca.gov/rtp2008/pdfs/finalrtp/reports/fEnvironmentalJustice.pdf
Agency example measure: Distribution of plan expenditures
Methodology: SCAG reports expenditure distribution by estimating the share of total regional
transportation plan expenditures allocated to each category of household income by totaling
expenditures on each mode and allocating them to each group's level of use.
Data sources: U.S. Census, American Housing Survey, National Household Travel Survey
Analysis scale: Regional
Background: This measure is included in SCAG's Environmental Justice Report. The purpose
of the analysis is to ensure that the important principles of environmental justice are considered
and integrated into the transportation planning process.
Focus area: Project development
Objective: Develop transportation projects that improve transportation infrastructure
equitably
Measure: Ratio of disadvantaged to non-disadvantaged population experiencing negative
impacts of transportation program (e.g., noise, air quality, neighborhood fragmentation)
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Sustainability Performance Measure Examples D-9
Agency: Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission
Document/website: Environmental Justice Technical Analysis
http://www.morpc.org/pdf/CapitalWays%20EJ% 20Appendix%20May%202008.pdf
Agency example measure: Displacement from projects
Methodology: During the preparation of the transportation plan, all projects are qualitatively
assessed as to the number of displacements resulting from the project. MORPC developed four
categories--none, low, moderate, and high--to classify each project.
Data source: MORPC
Analysis scale: Regional
Background: This measure is included in MORPC's Environmental Justice Technical Analysis.
The purpose of the analysis is to ensure that the important principles of environmental justice are
considered and integrated into the transportation planning process.
Focus area: Construction and maintenance
Objective: Reduce delay due to construction or maintenance activities equitably
Measure: Ratio of disadvantaged to non-disadvantaged system users experiencing delay due
to construction or maintenance activities
Agency: The National Work Zone Safety Information Clearinghouse
Document/website: Work Zone Safety Performance Measures Guidance Booklet
http://www.workzonesafety.org/fhwa_wz_grant/atssa/atssa_wz_performance_measures
Agency example measure: Travel time/delay during construction or maintenance
Methodology: Relies on good baseline information; data are collected on commute days
(Monday through Friday, not including holidays). Delay value can be scaled based on
project/traffic characteristics. This measure can be calculated for disadvantaged and non-
disadvantaged groups to understand the implications for sections of society.
Data source: The National Work Zone Safety Information Clearinghouse
Analysis scale: Project, local, county, corridor
Background: The National Work Zone Safety Information Clearinghouse is dedicated to
providing the transportation construction industry and the general public with comprehensive
information to improve motorist, worker, and pedestrian safety in work zones.
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D-10 A Guidebook for Sustainability Performance Measurement for Transportation Agencies
Focus area: System operations
Objective: Ensure that transportation costs do not disproportionately affect low-income users
Measure: Change in incidence of travel costs by income group due to operational
improvements
Agency: SCAG
Document/website: 2008 Regional Transportation Plan Environmental Justice Report
http://www.scag.ca.gov/rtp2008/pdfs/finalrtp/reports/fEnvironmentalJustice.pdf
Agency example measure: Taxes paid
Methodology: SCAG reports the amount of taxes (sales, gasoline, and income) to determine
whether lower income groups are paying an amount proportional to the transportation services
they are using.
Data source: SCAG
Analysis scale: Regional
Background: This measure is included in SCAG's Environmental Justice Report. This measure
is compared to the share of transit system usage and transit travel time savings by income groups
to determine the benefits they are receiving compared to their tax burden. As transit operations
are improved, this relationship changes. The purpose of the analysis is to ensure that the
important principles of environmental justice are considered and integrated into the
transportation planning process.
Goal 4: Ensure That the Transportation System's Functionality and Efficiency Are
Maintained and Enhanced
Focus area: Planning
Objective: Ensure that transportation options are efficient for all users
Measure: Change in travel time index by mode
Agency: Texas Transportation Institute
Document/website: Annual Urban Mobility Report
http://mobility.tamu.edu/
Agency example measure: Travel time index calculated as the ratio of travel time in the peak
period to travel time in free flow
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Sustainability Performance Measure Examples D-11
Methodology: A measure of congestion that focuses on each trip and each mile of travel. It is
calculated as the ratio of travel time in the peak period to travel in free flow. A value of 1.30
indicates that a 20-minute free-flow trip takes 25 minutes in the peak.
Data source(s): The Texas Transportation Institute produces this annual report of congestion on
freeways and major streets in 101 cities in the United States.
Analysis scale: Local, regional
Background: This report is an excellent resource for the agencies included in the analysis areas.
Focus area: Programming
Objective: Program projects designed to maintain or achieve a state of good repair for the
existing transportation system
Measure: Change in existing lane/track/sidewalk miles in a state of good repair due to
program
Agency: MDOT
Document/website: Driven by Excellence: A Report on Transportation Performance
Management at MDOT
http://www.michigan.gov/documents/mdot/MDOT_DrivenExcellenceReport_323894_7.pdf
Agency example measure: 90% of trunk-line pavement rated in fair or better condition
Methodology: MDOT uses a measure called remaining service life (RSL), which estimates the
remaining years until a pavement's most cost-effective treatment is either reconstruction or
major rehabilitation. Pavements with an RSL of two years or less are considered to be in poor
condition.
Data source: MDOT asset management
Analysis scale: Local, regional, state
Background: MDOT produced this report to provide its customers with an overview of how the
transportation system in the state is functioning. The measures included in the report are linked
to the four goal areas of the Michigan Transportation Plan: stewardship, safety and security,
system improvement, and efficient and effective operation.
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D-26 A Guidebook for Sustainability Performance Measurement for Transportation Agencies
http://www.tac-
atc.ca/english/resourcecentre/readingroom/conference/conf2006/docs/s007/bremner.pdf
Agency example measure: Utilize an accounting and management plan for road construction
waste materials, and minimize the amount of construction-related waste destined for landfill
Methodology: Establishing a formal process for removing and recycling infrastructure waste
will reduce the amount of materials being sent to the landfill. Reducing waste will not only
reduce needed landfill space but will be better for the environment, reduce dump truck trips (and
exhaust), and will have an overall cost savings for the project.
Data source(s): The information in this case study comes from the report produced by Bremner
and the City of Vancouver (2006).
Analysis scale: Roadway, local
Background: In 2005, the City of Vancouver created a new engineering branch in their
governmental agency strictly for management of infrastructure waste, such as waste generated
from roadway, water, and sewer development. The estimated amount of this infrastructure waste
exceeded 400,000 metric tons (about 441,000 tons) annually. This waste had previously been
disposed of in the Vancouver landfill. After this initiative, 100% of annual hot-mix asphalt
milling waste is now recycled; 100% of annual concrete curb, sidewalk, and roadway slab
material is now recycled; stockpiles of soil, asphalt, and concrete are now available for more
projects after reprocessing, and extraction of new aggregate is often avoided.
Focus area: Construction
Objective: Increase the percentage of waste diverted (from landfill) during construction
Measure: Change in the amount of construction waste diverted by type, weight and/or
volume
Agency: Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT)
Document/website: TxDOT Waste Tracking System
http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/publicroads/00julaug/recyctx.cfm
Agency example measure: Utilize an accounting and management plan for road construction
waste materials, and minimize the amount of construction-related waste destined for landfill
Methodology: Establish, implement, and maintain a formal construction and demolition waste
management plan (CWMP) during roadway construction. Construction and demolition waste
constitutes any material that must be hauled off-site for disposal or reprocessing, or if disposed
(stockpiled) within the ROW is not intended for use as a structural element.
Data source(s): TxDOT and Construction Materials Recycling Association
Analysis scale: Roadway, local, regional, and statewide
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Sustainability Performance Measure Examples D-27
Background: TxDOT's Waste Tracking System tracks the volume of materials used on a
project, their associated costs, and environmental benefits. In addition, the system considers life-
cycle costs of materials as well as cost incentives for contractors to implement a waste
management plan. In the previous two years the program saved over 1.8 million tons of virgin
aggregate by incorporating a variety of pavement recycling options into the general agency
practice.
Focus area: Maintenance
Objective: Increase the percentage of waste diverted (from landfill) during maintenance
Measure: Change in the percentage of maintenance projects with a recycling plan or waste
diversion goal
Agency: NYSDOT
Document/website: GreenLITES
https://www.nysdot.gov/programs/greenlites/operations-cert
Agency example measure: Change the amount of waste that is created during operations of
roadway facilities
Methodology: Increase sustainability measures in transportation maintenance statewide in all
aspects of their work. This includes maintenance work on roadways that need construction
maintenance as well as in-office recycling.
Data source(s): GreenLITES
Analysis scale: Roadway, statewide
Background: In 2009, GreenLITES' Operations Division was launched to increase
sustainability in all aspects of maintenance operations for transportation. The Operations
Division has devised and incorporated more than 100 tasks into its planning process. These tasks
are then chosen based on sustainability trade-offs and tracked for progress. Many of these
GreenLITES tasks include recycling or waste diversion--for example, office waste recycling and
reuse, garage waste minimization and recycling, implementing a zero waste strategy, pavement
in-place recycling, recycled asphalt paving, concrete recycling, fluorescent lightbulb recycling,
and recycled materials for erosion/sediment control.
Focus area: System operations
Objective: Reduce litter
Measure: Change in the quantity of total litter collected annually (weight, volume, etc.)
Agency: New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT)
Document/website: NMDOT Litter Control Plan
http://nmshtd.state.nm.us/upload/images/GTG/Q3_07/DOT_Litter_Control_Program.pdf
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D-28 A Guidebook for Sustainability Performance Measurement for Transportation Agencies
Agency example measure: Prevent pollution and maintain aesthetic quality of road and bridge
networks through cleaning and litter removal
Methodology: To measure their efforts, NMDOT collects the following data and reports them
on a quarterly and annual basis:
· Number of special litter events,
· Number of volunteers,
· Tons of trash removed,
· Number of highway miles cleaned, and
· Number of dollars allocated to litter removal.
Data source(s): NMDOT data collection
Analysis scale: Roadway, local, regional, and statewide
Background: In recognition of a worsening litter presence on New Mexico highways as well as
a realization of the aesthetic benefits of a clean and safe roadway, NMDOT began a litter control
program. NMDOT tracks performance of the litter control program, including number of
cleaning events, tonnage of collected litter, involved volunteers, and money spent. Sources of
cleanup include NMDOT maintenance crews, volunteer efforts (through the
Adopt-A-Highway program), and inmate labor. NMDOT also works with other agencies (e.g.,
Keep New Mexico Beautiful) to meet department goals and promote a litter-free environment.
Goal 10: Reduce the Us e of Nonren ewable Resources and Promote th e Use of Renewable
Replacem ents
Focus area: Planning
Objective: Purchase sustainable materials as a priority
Measure: Existence of a purchasing plan that establishes priority for sustainable materials
Agency: Seattle DOT
Document/website: Seattle's Sustainability Purchasing Plan
http://www.cityofseattle.net/environment/purchasing.htm
Agency example measure: Promoting the use of environmentally preferable products in the
city's acquisition of goods and services
Methodology: Sustainable purchasing demonstrates the commitment to buying goods, materials,
services, and capital improvements in a manner that reflects fiscal responsibility, social equity,
community, and environmental stewardship values. This measure tracks the amount of goods and
services purchased that are environmentally preferable.
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Sustainability Performance Measure Examples D-29
Data source(s): The Department of Executive Administration and Office of Sustainability and
Environment produce an annual summary of the city's environmentally responsible/sustainable
purchasing actions.
Analysis scale: All city departments and offices that make purchases of goods and services or
that contract with others to make purchases
Background: The goal is to bring together policies, communication tools, process
improvements, standards, and reporting mechanisms to help align purchasing practices with the
city's values and incorporate these into a sustainable purchasing program. The three values that
the city identified are environmental factors including life-cycle assessments, social equity
factors, and fiscal factors. The city will purchase and use materials, products, and services that
are fiscally responsible, reduce resource consumption and waste, promote opportunities to lesser-
advantaged segments of the community, perform adequately, and promote human health and
well-being.
Focus area: Programming
Objective: Use renewable energy to provide project power
Measure: Change in percentage of renewable energy, in kWh, created in relation to project
energy requirements due to a program
Agency: Oregon Department of Energy
Document/website: A Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) for Oregon
http://www.oregon.gov/ENERGY/RENEW/RPS_home.shtml
Agency example measure: Reduce the consumption of fossil fuels during operation and
maintenance of facilities
Methodology: Have a documented plan that outlines how renewable energy will be procured for
operations and maintenance of roadway facilities. This includes maintaining an electricity
monitoring system for operations and maintenance that tracks electricity usage for highway
facilities.
Data source(s): The Western Renewable Energy Generation Information System certifies the
Renewable Energy Certificates (http://www.wregis.org/).
Analysis scale: Roadway, local, regional, and statewide
Background: Oregon's current RPS requires the largest utilities in Oregon to provide 25% of
their sales of electricity from renewable sources of energy by 2025. Smaller utilities have similar
obligations but at a smaller percentage of sales.
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D-30 A Guidebook for Sustainability Performance Measurement for Transportation Agencies
Focus area: Project development
Objective: Use renewable energy to provide project power
Measure: Change in percentage of renewable energy, in kWh, created in relation to project
energy requirements in a project
Agency: ODOT
Document/website: Oregon Solar Highway
http://www.oregonsolarhighway.com
Agency example measure: Reduce the consumption of fossil fuels during operation of highway
illumination
Methodology: Compute the energy requirements for all electrified components on the project.
Provide operational energy for the project's electrified components using autonomous, on-site,
renewable energy sources.
Data source(s): Portland General Electric
Analysis scale: Roadway, local, regional, and statewide
Background: In December 2008, ODOT partnered with Portland General Electric to form and
implement the Oregon Solar Highway Initiative and build the first solar project in a public ROW
in the United States. A 104-kW ground-mounted solar array was installed at the Corridor of the
Future interchange of I-5 and I-205. The solar panels supply approximately one-third of the
energy needed to illuminate the project. Over the lifetime of the project, it is expected to save
2,900 tons of CO2 emissions.
Focus area: Construction
Objective: Use biofuel for non-road maintenance equipment
Measure: Percentage of machine hours or gallons of biofuel used during construction
Companies: Microsoft and Turner Construction
Document/website: Constructing a Cleaner Work Environment, Biodiesel Magazine
http://biodieselmagazine.com/articles/1798/constructing-a-cleaner-work-environment
Agency example measure: Reduce the overall consumption of fossil fuels by non-road
construction equipment.
Methodology: Reduce the fossil fuel requirements of non-road construction equipment by using
biofuel or biofuel blends as a replacement for fossil fuel.
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Sustainability Performance Measure Examples D-31
Data source(s): Turner Construction and the Washington State Department of Labor and
Industries both collected air quality data.
Analysis scale: Project specific
Background: B99, a 99% proportion of biodiesel to conventional fuel, was used during the
construction of the Microsoft Windows Live Columbia One Data Center in Quincy, Washington,
to fuel equipment operated by subcontractors hired by Turner Construction Company.
Discussions with the safety manager assigned to the project reveal that the reason behind the
switch to biodiesel for the on-site construction equipment was to provide a remedy for the
noxious diesel fumes that were emitted by the construction equipment. Air quality readings were
reduced to 24 ppm CO at the exhaust of the concrete pump trucks, which is significantly less
than the air quality regulation of 4045 ppm.
Focus area: Maintenance
Objective: Use biofuel for non-road maintenance equipment
Measure: Percentage of machine hours or gallons of biofuel used during maintenance
Agency: Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT)
Document/website: www.tennessee.gov/tdot
Agency example measure: Reduce the overall consumption of fossil fuels by maintenance
vehicles
Methodology: Reduce the fossil fuel requirements of fleet and maintenance vehicles by using
biofuel or biofuel blends as a replacement for fossil fuel. Biodiesel is made from renewable
sources such as soybean oil, burns cleaner than traditional diesel, and requires little or no engine
modifications. In addition, it also supports the farmers who grow the materials used.
Data source(s): www.tennessee.gov/tdot
Analysis scale: TDOT Maintenance Operations
Background: TDOT has begun using B20 (20% biodiesel and 80% diesel fuel) to fuel TDOT
maintenance and fleet vehicles, including heavy-duty dump trucks and large pieces of equipment
such as bulldozers and backhoes. TDOT has also installed B20 pumps at each of the regional
offices for use in these vehicles.
Focus area: System operations
Objective: Purchase green energy
Measure: Change in the amount and percentage of green energy purchased
Agency: Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT)
Document/website: http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/Hawaii-State-Department-
Transportation-Purchase-Clean-Solar-Energy-From-Hoku-Solar-NASDAQ-HOKU-906483.htm
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Agency example measure: Purchasing renewable solar energy for operations and maintenance
of roadway facilities
Methodology: Procuring renewable energy for the operations and/or maintenance of
transportation facilities. Renewable energy will reduce the DOT's carbon footprint and
emissions. The goal of this measure is to reduce the amount of fossil fuels that would
alternatively be imported.
Data source(s): HDOT
Analysis scale: Statewide DOT facilities
Background: Hawaii's Clean Energy Initiative has the goal that by year 2030, 70% of Hawaii's
energy is to come from clean sources. To reduce the state's dependency on imported fossil fuels,
HDOT is currently purchasing solar electricity generated by Hoku Solar. This solar electricity
comes from the photovoltaic (PV) power that is generated at several of HDOT's facilities located
across the state, including airports and administration buildings. It is expected that the PV
systems will generate 1.2 million kWh of clean, solar energy and will offset 12,000 tons of
carbon dioxide emissions.
Goal 11: Reduce Transportation-Related Emissions of Air Pollutants and Greenhouse
Gases
Focus area: Planning
Objective: Increase street connectivity
Measure: Change in street connectivity index
Agency: Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT)
Document/website: Secondary Street Acceptance Requirements (SSAR)
http://www.virginiadot.org/projects/ssar/
Agency example measure: Increasing roadway connectivity will reduce the amount of pollutant
emissions created from vehicles.
Methodology: Roadway connectivity involves a system of streets and routes and how the area is
connected within the street system. Better connected streets make it easier to get from place to
place within a community and provide several routes to do so. Increasing connectivity will
reduce the amount of travel miles for vehicles, which will in turn reduce the related emissions of
air pollutants and greenhouse gases. This measure will increase the amount of connectivity for
new developments.
Data source(s): VDOT
Analysis scale: Statewide
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Sustainability Performance Measure Examples D-33
Background: VDOT's SSAR was approved in 2009 and revises the policy for the design and
function a street must meet in order to be created. One part of this regulation is connectivity.
Streets must be created to support better street connectivity within the area. Fewer culs-de-sac
and dead end streets will be allowed to enter the state system. A better connected street system
will enable a more efficient use of the roadways as well as reduce the amount of vehicle miles
driven. More direct routes will be created for residents, delivery vehicles, and emergency
vehicles when there is a better grid of streets.
Focus area: Programming
Objective: Program projects that reduce pollutant emissions (travel, trip length, mode split,
emissions)
Measure: Change in percentage of commercial vehicles by EPA tier compliance due to
program
Agency: TxDOT
Document/website: Texas Emission Reduction Plan (TERP)
http://www.tceq.texas.gov/airquality/terp
Agency example measure: Reduce air emissions from vehicles and construction equipment by
encouraging the use of alternative fuel vehicles
Methodology: Activities such as driving vehicles and operating construction equipment
contribute to creating pollutants that cause adverse health conditions. This measure will assure
that air quality is safe to breathe and meets minimum air quality standards in Texas by reducing
the amount of emissions of pollutants.
Data source(s): TERP Summary Reports
Analysis scale: Statewide
Background: Realizing that air pollution is a problem, TxDOT has created the TERP program,
which is designed to increase the use of alternative fuel vehicles. TERP offers financial
incentives and grants to individuals or companies to purchase vehicles or construction equipment
that reduce emissions more than EPA's Tier II standards.
Focus area: Project development
Objective: Develop projects that reduce pollutant emissions (travel, trip length, mode split,
emissions)
Measure: Change in percentage of commercial vehicles by EPA tier compliance due to
project
Agency: Washington State Department of Ecology
Document/website: Diesel Particulate Emission Reduction Strategy for Washington State
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http://www.ecy.wa.gov/biblio/0602022.html
Agency example measure: Reduce air emissions from non-road construction equipment by
encouraging early achievement of the EPA Tier 4 emission standard
Methodology: Diesel engines release pollutants that include over 40 cancer-causing substances.
The goal is to reduce the amount of diesel exhaust that produces air pollution, which will in turn
reduce the negative health effects of diesel pollution for the public. One of the most significant
sources of diesel emissions is non-road construction equipment.
Data source(s): Washington State Department of Ecology
Analysis scale: Statewide
Background: Washington State's Department of Ecology's Diesel Particulate Emission
Reduction Strategy has the following four goals: (1) install emission reduction exhaust retrofits
on 50% of the public legacy diesel fleet in four years; (2) install emission reduction exhaust
retrofits and add-on fuel efficiency technologies on 50% of the private legacy diesel fleet in eight
years; (3) evaluate, develop, and implement an idle-reduction program that addresses and
remedies unnecessary idling through onboard retrofits, on-the-ground infrastructure, and anti-
idling regulations; and (4) replace 25% of older (pre-1996 for non-road) legacy vehicles in the
private fleet in eight years.
Focus area: Construction
Objective: Reduce equipment emissions (equipment conforming to latest EPA emissions
standards)
Measure: Percent of construction equipment at each tier of emissions standards (weighted or
unweighted), percent of construction equipment retrofitted to meet latest EPA emissions
standards
Agency: Cook County Department of Environmental Control, Illinois
Document/website: Cook County Green Construction Ordinance
http://www.cookcountyclerk.com/countyboard/DocumentLibrary/2009ordinances.pdf
Agency example measure: Reduce air emissions from non-road construction equipment by
achievement of the EPA tier emission standards
Methodology: Diesel engines release pollutants that include over 40 cancer-causing substances.
The goal is to reduce the amount of diesel exhaust that produces air pollution, which will in turn
reduce the negative health effects of diesel pollution for the public. One of the most significant
sources of diesel emissions is construction equipment.
Data source(s): Cook County Department of Environmental Control
Analysis scale: Roadway, countywide
Background: The Cook County Green Construction Ordinance requires all public construction
contracts greater than $2 million (budgeted) to use ultralow sulfur diesel fuel for all non-road
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Sustainability Performance Measure Examples D-35
vehicles and equipment. It also requires the use of diesel retrofitting on all vehicles and
equipment. In mid-2011, vehicles will need to be equipped to meet Level 2 PM (particulate
matter) retrofits (on non-road equipment), and beginning in 2014 will need to be equipped to
meet Level 3 retrofits (on non-road and road vehicles/equipment) for any publicly funded
projects.
Focus area: Maintenance
Objective: Reduce adverse impact on traffic operations (lane reductions, traffic interruptions,
detours, night operations)
Measure: Change in peak hour/period capacity (e.g., lane miles), vehicle hours of delay, extra
VMT, percent of passing VMT affected by maintenance
Agency: INDOT
Document/website: Interstate 70 Rehabilitation Project
http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/publicroads/98novdec/customer.cfm
Agency example measure: Reducing the impact and delays on traffic operations by doing
roadway maintenance during off-peak hours at night
Methodology: Performing roadway maintenance during regular traffic hours (in particular peak
hours) typically means closing a lane of traffic. This can cause long delays for commuters and
increase the emissions of air pollutants. This measure encourages off-peak maintenance
scheduling to minimize congestion (and air pollution).
Data source(s): INDOT
Analysis scale: Roadway, statewide
Background: As part of the Interstate 70 Rehabilitation Project, INDOT included the cost of
traffic delays caused by roadwork as part of the proposals. As a result, the contractor finished
with fewer lane closures and ahead of schedule. This reduced the amount of traffic delay hours
and roadway emissions.
Focus area: System operations
Objective: Maintain efficient traffic operations
Measure: Change in percentage of toll payers using E-ZPass
Agency: New York State Thruway Authority
Document/website: E-ZPass New York
http://www.thruway.ny.gov/about/performance-quarterly.html
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Agency example measure: Increase efficiency in traffic operations through the use of E-ZPass
electronic tolling
Methodology: E-ZPass is an electronic tolling device that eliminates the need to stop at toll
booths. Tolls are prepaid, and a toll tag is placed inside vehicles. The E-ZPass system maintains
the account balance and usage.
Data source(s): New York State Thruway Authority
Analysis scale: Roadway, statewide
Background: The New York State Thruway Authority has a goal to increase efficiency and
effectiveness of operations. Quarterly, the authority assesses this goal based on performance
measures. One of these performance measures is the percentage of E-ZPass transactions. E-
ZPass transactions increased by 2.08% in the third quarter of 2010 as compared to the same
quarter of 2009.
