The Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) today announced that it has been selected by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as a winner of the state's 2008 Leading by Example Awards for its Emissions Reduction Program. Massport received the honor at a State House ceremony attended by Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Ian Bowles and approximately 100 state and local officials.
The Leading by Example Awards recognize outstanding efforts among Commonwealth agencies, public colleges and universities, and municipalities which have established and implemented policies and programs resulting in significant and demonstrable environmental benefits. In 2007 Governor Deval Patrick issued Executive Order No. 484, which created the Leading by Example Program that challenged public agencies to advance clean energy and efficiency and reduce overall environmental impacts of government operations.
"Emissions reduction is one of the most prominent environmental, operational and community issues currently facing the transportation industry," said Massport CEO and Executive Director Thomas J. Kinton, Jr. "Massport is serious about reducing its environmental footprint and we applaud Governor Patrick for his leadership in this important public policy debate."
Since the mid-1990s Massport has developed and implemented a broad range of innovative programs to reduce emissions. Specific programs include Massport's aggressive High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) goals, maintenance of one of the largest fleets of CNG buses in New England along with an on-airport CNG station, partnering with the City of Boston to promote the conversion of taxi cabs to hybrid vehicles, promotion of ultra-low sulfur diesel vehicles; and promoting transportation management association initiatives.
Earlier this year, Massport initiated a pilot renewable energy program in which 20 wind turbines were installed on its administrative offices at the airport. The Authority also announced plans to purchase renewable energy credits so that by the end of calendar year 2009, all of the electricity the Authority uses for its own operations will be offset through the purchase of those credits. In addition, the Authority will purchase additional renewable energy credits to offset other carbon emissions, such as those from Massport vehicles. This will allow the operations of the Authority to be carbon neutral. It also will exceed Gov. Deval Patrick's 2007 Leading by Example Executive Order to procure 15 percent of the Authority's electricity from renewable resources and beat ?? by two years ?? the goal of doing so by 2012.
"The Patrick Administration is pleased to recognize Massport's multi-faceted program to reduce vehicle emissions airport-wide while investing in renewable energy," Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Ian Bowles said. "Massport's Emissions Reduction Program enhances the Commonwealth's profile as a national leader in clean energy and environmental protection, and the authority is well-deserving of today's Leading by Example Award.
To ensure that green building concepts are integrated into all new development and redevelopment projects, Massport has incorporated Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) goals in all new development and redevelopment projects. The Manulife Office Building was built on Massport's South Boston land holdings and was LEED certified in 2006 and Logan is home to the world's first LEED Certified passenger terminal as well as the first LEED-certified general aviation facility.
The Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) operates Boston Logan International Airport, the Port of Boston, Tobin Memorial Bridge, Hanscom Field and Worcester Regional Airport. Massport is a financially self-sustaining public authority whose premier transportation facilities generate more than $8 billion annually, and enhance and enable economic growth and vitality in New England. For more information please visit massport.com.