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Massport Receives Top Comprehensive Environmental Management Award from American Association of Port Authorities

The Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) announced that new regulations designed to make its construction projects more environmentally sustainable were honored today by the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) at its 98th Annual Convention in Galveston, TX.

Massport’s Sustainable Design Standards and Guidelines (SDSG) received top honors in the 2009 Comprehensive Environmental Management category, one of four categories recognized by the AAPA’s Environmental Improvement Awards competition.

“Our environmental stewardship is an Authority-wide priority and the sustainable design standards and guidelines are a critical element in our efforts,’’ said Thomas J. Kinton, Jr., Massport’s CEO & Executive Director. “We are pleased to receive this significant recognition.”

These sustainable design techniques and concepts include site design, project materials, energy management and efficiency, air emissions, water management and efficiency, indoor quality and occupant comfort. Examples include warm-mix asphalt, alternative energy installations, and use of recycled materials.

The new standards currently will apply to $227 million in capital projects Authority-wide between fiscal years 2010 to 2013, including $32 million for Maritime projects alone. Conley Container Terminal will benefit from pavement recycling, rehabilitation of existing cranes and the purchase of new tractors for energy efficiency. Other environmental projects include electric-powered dock cranes and a new plug-in infrastructure that will replace diesel generators for refrigerated containers.

An AAPA judge said “Massport’s plan is a well organized and documented approach to sustainability. It is eminently transferable to other ports.”