Sustainable TransForum

On Monday, May 28th and Tuesday, May 29th, MTO hosted the first ever sustainable transportation conference in Ontario, the Sustainable Trans Forum (http://www.sustainabletransforum.ca). Speakers and thought leaders from across North America and Europe shared their knowledge of leading technologies, new innovations, and the latest research that supports sustainable transportation. In keeping with the sustainability theme, the conference was planned with a focus on resource conservation, efficiency, reduced consumption, and the maximum possible reuse and recycling.

"What we as a government have to do and this is something we share with governments in almost every other jurisdiction in North America is to find a way of integrating and promoting different transportation modes like air, rail, marine, road and transit so we can ease the strain on our roads and highways, and in the process ease the strain on our environment," said Minister of Transportation Donna Canfield in her opening remarks. "Because in this day and age, we as a government, have a responsibility to be mindful of our effects on the environment and how we can minimize our impact."

Topics focused on the impacts of climate change, the future of transportation, the marketing of greener transportation, economic issues, accessibility, fuel efficiency, community planning, and sustainable development education.

Sustainable development meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Sustainable development considers the impact on the "triple-bottom-line:" Social, Economic, and Environmental (SEE) impacts. Technologies that support a "zero waste" approach will assist in meeting emission reduction standards while addressing SEE.

Current land use policies present a challenge as they focus on driving as the main mode of transportation. The high quantity of vehicles contributes to problems associated with congestion, air quality, health, mobility for an aging population, and economic and climate change. City planning can become more sustainable by considering transit oriented development pedestrian and cycling access, parking policy, and protection of green spaces.

Marketing cities to families promotes ways to combat suburban sprawl and to lessen commuter distances required when families live in suburban areas. Promoting more active forms of transportation by developing walking or bike paths, installing bike racks on the front of buses and bike lockers at bus terminals also addresses air quality and health issues while reducing congestion.

"We need to give attractive alternatives, and that means a public transit system that is four things: accessible, convenient, reliable and safe," said Minister Cansfield.

With continued population growth an expected 3.8 million more people in Ontario's Greater Golden Horseshoe area by 2031 there is a greater need to educate the public on more sustainable practices. One way to do this is through school programs. There is a need for education on land use intensification and the benefits of raising children in more densely populated environments. The provincial "Places to Grow" Act (www.placestogrow.ca) provides guidelines for urban development in the Greater Golden Horseshoe and demonstrates the provinces support to sustainability through legislation.

Other practical solutions include carpooling and HOV lanes, transit investments, and complementary infrastructure such as cycling lanes and car-sharing programs in high-density areas. The first provincial HOV lanes have already been built on Highway 403 and Highway 404 southbound to reduce emissions by encouraging carpooling and transit use. The Province of Ontario has further plans to add more than 450 km of new HOV lanes on 400-series highways.

Some specific topics discussed by speakers include:

* Many cities such as Vancouver, Portland, Denver, Berlin, and Minneapolis, promote sustainability through excellent bike networks. In Copenhagen, Denmark, 20% of capital is spent on biking infrastructure, and subsequently 40% of all trips in the city are made by bicycle.

* Transit organizations are now using the LEED process to make their operations more sustainable. LEED is the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design green building rating system developed by the U.S. Green Building Council. Organizations can get points towards LEED certification by using recycled materials, low emission materials, local materials, and through the inclusion of green features such as green roofs. Transit organizations have followed these guidelines when renovating their building infrastructure to great success.

* E3 Fleet (Energy Environment Excellence) (www.E3fleet.com) is modelled after LEED, a green building rating system for construction but tooled for use with commercial vehicle fleets. E3 Fleet has developed a green fleet action plan with a rating system to encourage both public and private sector fleets to increase fuel efficiency and reduce emissions and costs. There are sixteen participating groups since E3 Fleet launched in November 2006. The City of Hamilton is Canada's first green rated fleet. To meet the requirements, they decreased their greenhouse gas emissions by 2% and increased their fuel efficiency by 5% for every kilometre driven.

* Life cycle assessment (LCA) tools can be effective for guiding decisions to improve the environmental performance of transportation infrastructure. LCA is the analysis of the impacts of a given product throughout its lifetime. LCA tools can be used to evaluate the relative costs and benefits of the materials used.

* Environmentally friendly pavement practices include reusing and recycling materials to make roads that remain safe and durable while reducing emissions, energy use, and waste. Recycled pavement has performed well, carrying more traffic than anticipated. Ontario's Ministry of Transportation is a responsible contributor to the reduction of greenhouse gases and the improved quality of life. For example, since the implementation of CIR/CIREAM contracts, MTO has reduced CO2 emissions by 54 thousand tonnes. CIR/CIREAM are two of the most environmentally friendly pavement rehabilitation techniques available