2010-2011 Initiative 6:
“Go with Green”
Use the best environmentally-sensitivity practices in our operations and pilot new green initiatives as ODOT leads by example in embracing environmental stewardship and reducing energy consumption.
During the Biennium, ODOT will:
- Establish and implement the increased use of “green” technology in ODOT’s operations, including the installation of diesel particulate filters on at least 58 of the department’s dump trucks in designated non-attainment areas, green certification by Ohio Green Fleets of all of the department’s snowplows, and expanded use of Global Positioning Systems on the snowplow fleet to include at least two districts (aimed at dramatically reducing ODOT’s fuel usage and dependence on roughly 600,000 tons of salt each winter).
- Expand the use of Light-Emitting Diode (LED) technology to upgrade at least 25 percent of the department’s traffic control devices (replacing incandescent signal lights) and identify at least one location for a pilot project to upgrade highway lighting to LED lamps.
- Establish and implement a program that increases ODOT's use of non-construction and construction recycled products by at least 10 percent each year, and a separate program focused on increasing by at least 10 percent each year the use of “green” materials and applications within ODOT's construction program, maintenance, and operations – with specific efforts to find best practices for watershed protection and water quality.
- Achieve LEEDS certification for at least 50 percent of the department’s newly constructed occupied buildings (garages, offices) within the biennium; Reduce energy usage in the department’s existing buildings by at least 15 percent (electricity, natural gas, water) by the end of the biennium.
Longer term, the department will empower ODOT’s “Green Team” to measure how department projects, maintenance and operations impact water and air quality, and to recommend ways to reduce negative impacts; identify a pilot project in at least one high-traffic rest area to install a Truck Electrification System (TES) to reduce the amount of truck idling; and transition ODOT’s motor pool to a “green” fleet, with the intent to purchase at least four all-electric vehicles for the Central Office motor pool, and at least one all-electric delivery truck.