Ohio Department of Transportation Goes Green
Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) has made the following changes to become more environmentally friendly:
1) In 2009, ODOT's highway maintenance crew reduced spraying herbicides by 98%.
2) Snow plows earned the state's first green certification by reducing diesel emissions and using alternative fuels.
3) Crews reduce engine idling time.
4) ODOT completed installation of diesel particulate filters on at least 58 of the state's dump trunks. This reduces air pollution by removing soot from the exhaust gas of a diesel engine.
5) They now use GPS in the snowplow fleet to dramatically reduce fuel usage.
6) The department has eliminated daily use of paper for ice and snow logs completed by drivers.
In the coming 2 years, ODOT plans to upgrade at least 25% of the department's traffic control devices with LED (Light Emitting Diode) technology. They have already seen a significant reduction in electric consumption by the traffic lights. LED technology also improves reliability of the traffic lights, reducing repair and maintenance costs.
In addition, ODOT will green its buildings with a goal to achieve LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification for at least 50% of the department's newly constructed buildings, while it reduces current energy usage in existing buildings by 15%.
In the long term, ODOT's green team will enable the department to measure how its projects, maintenance and operations affect water and air quality. The green team will then recommend ways for ODOT to reduce negative impacts.
As a pilot project, the green team will install a Truck Electrification System (TES), which reduces the amount of truck idling.
ODOT also intends to purchase at least 4 electric vehicles and at least 1 all-electric delivery truck.
For more information, please visit ODOT.
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