Environment: New York/New Jersey, Vancouver-Fraser
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Energy efficiency programs implemented by the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey have resulted in savings amounting to more than $9 million annually and a 25,000-ton reduction in greenhouse gas emissions – the equivalent of removing 5,300 cars from the road.
These programs include air quality initiatives and equipment and lighting upgrades across many of the agency’s key facilities, notably at the World Trade Center (WTC), three major regional airports and the Lincoln and Holland tunnels.
"We know that sustainability efforts decrease operational costs and improve the quality of life around our facilities," said Christine Weydig, the port authority's director of the office of environmental and energy programs (OEEP). "We intend to continue to promote sustainable, resilient design and operational improvements across all of our facilities."
Three major airport redevelopment projects either under way or set to begin soon – Terminals B and C at LaGuardia Airport, and Terminal A at Newark Liberty International Airport -- will be required to meet stringent Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards upon completion, along with an increase in the use of electric ground service equipment and advanced systems to collect aircraft deicing fluid.
Buildings at the World Trade Center feature daylight controls, occupancy sensors and low flush and flow rate fixtures, resulting in a 16-percent lighting power reduction and 20-percent reduced water usage.
Throughout the WTC site, the port authority strives for net-zero carbon emissions for electricity consumption through commercially purchased wind certificates. Each building is equipped to reuse storm water for cooling and irrigation purposes. The World Trade Center Transportation Hub uses recycled rainwater for flush fixtures.
In addition, WTC has advanced energy- and water-saving technologies that use low-energy equipment, such as variable-speed fans and pumps, low-emission glass coating that reflects long-wave infrared energy, and a high-tech building management system that optimizes energy use and indoor air quality. In September 2016, One World Trade Center was awarded a LEED Gold certification by the U.S. Green Building Council for its green building design, construction, operations and maintenance solutions.
Liberty Park, which the port authority opened in 2016, features a multi-hued "living wall" that is 25 feet high and 336 feet long. The rooftop park hosts more than 1,000 evergreen shrubs, perennials and trees – including a descendant of Anne Frank’s famous horse chestnut tree. Liberty Park received the 2016 Civic Betterment Award from the Building Owners and Managers Association International.
The port authority also is continuing to redevelop many of its other facilities to become eco-friendly. The Brooklyn Cruise Terminal (BCT), for example, has had a fully operational Shore Power System (SPS) since November 2016. SPS cuts ports pollution by allowing ships to turn off diesel engines and connect to the local electrical grid to power all onboard services, including lighting, HVAC and elevators/escalators.
The project has reduced significantly the amount of fuel used by idling cruise ships, cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 1,500 tons, nitrogen oxide by 95 tons, sulfur dioxide by 93 tons, and particulate matter by 6.5 tons.
Financial incentives encourage ship, truck and cargo equipment owners and operators to update and replace older, less efficient engines.
For additional information on OEEP initiatives, visit: http://www.panynj.gov/about/environmental-initiatives.html.
Vancouver Fraser Port Authority recognizes marine carriers for voluntary efforts to reduce air emissions with Blue Circle Award
The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority is honoring 12 cargo shipping and two cruise lines that in 2016 excelled in environmental stewardship and attained the highest participation rates in the port authority’s EcoAction Program.
Since 2007, the port authority has recognized a variety of fuel, technology and environmental management options that make ship operators eligible to receive discounted harbor dues rates. Earlier this year, it began offering harbor dues rate discounts for quieter ships.
The 2016 Blue Circle Award winners are: CMA CGM, Disney Cruise Line, Evergreen Line, Grieg Star, Hamburg Süd, Hapag-Lloyd, Hyundai Merchant Marine, "K" Line, Mediterranean Shipping Company, NYK Line, Princess Cruises, The China Navigation Company, United Arab Shipping Company, and Yang Ming.
Recipients will receive awards at a presentation later this spring.
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