Sustainable Transportation Initiatives in Three Cities

As reviewed in an August 7 Press Release Michael Replogle and Colin Hughes of the Institute for Transportation & Development Policy (ITDP) authored the fourth chapter, "Moving Toward Sustainable Transport, in Worldwatch's book State of the World 2012: Moving Toward Sustainable Prosperity, published in April 2012. In their State of the World chapter, Replogle and Hughes highlight three examples of this approach, revealing how it improves transport in urban areas:

Bogota, Colombia

Rapid bus transit in Bogota, Colombia: In 2000, Bogota opened TransMilenio, a BRT system with nine routes extending 54 miles (about 87 kilometers) throughout the city. By 2011, TransMilenio's ridership was up to 1.7 million passengers daily and the fare for a single trip was 1,600 Colombian pesos (about US$0.85).

London, UK

Congestion and emission charging in London: Drivers who enter congested central London pay a "congestion charge." The drivers have the option to pay £10 (approximately US$15)in advance, or they must pay the charge within a certain time after driving through the congested streets, or be fined up to £120 (almost US$184). The charge generates funds for public transportation, and bus use is up 6 percent during charging hours. A similar Low Emission Zone covers heavy goods vehicles across the whole city, charging more polluting trucks and buses £100-200 per day (approximately US$150-300) to drive in the area.

Hangzhou, China

Public bicycles in Hangzhou, China: With a population of 6.7 million, Hangzhou is one of China's fastest-growing cities. This growth comes with rapid motorization. In 2008, Hangzhou launched a bike-share program that currently provides 60,000 bikes. The program has alleviated pressure on roadways and is accessible to all because of its pricing scheme----the first hour of bike use is free and the second hour is approximately US$0.15. The city reports that 90 percent of total trips are made in that first free hour, and more than 25 percent of trips are made during peak commuting times.

Innovations like these can improve travel options for the urban poor while reducing harmful emissions caused by transportation. "With additional international support and funding under the MDB commitment at Rio+20, developing countries will find it easier to shift their development of transportation from emphasizing rapid motorization and car-dependence to instead fostering public transport and lower emissions transportation options," Replogle said. "This moves us towards the kind of support we called for in our State of the World 2012 chapter."

Worldwatch's State of the World 2012, released in April 2012, focuses on the themes of inclusive sustainable development discussed at Rio+20, the 20-year follow-up to the historic 1992 Earth Summit, which was also held in Rio de Janeiro. The report presents a selection of innovations and constructive ideas for achieving environmental sustainability globally while meeting human needs and providing jobs and dignity for all.

The Worldwatch Institute is an independent research organization based in Washington, D.C. that works on energy, resource, and environmental issues. The Institute's State of the World report is published annually in more than 18 languages. For more information, visit www.worldwatch.org.

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Followup on Sustainable Transportation Commitments at Rio+20

Many voluntary commitments were made at the June 2012 Rio+20 conference, some of the most notable concerned promises about emissions reduction in transportation. According to an August 7 Press Release from the Worldwatch Institute, transportation emissions are the fastest growing source of global greenhouse gas emissions, with emissions expected to increase 300 percent by 2050. Today, emissions from transportation contribute to approximately 80 percent of the harmful air pollutants that result in 1.3 million premature deaths annually, according to Michael Replogle and Colin Hughes of the Institute for Transportation & Development Policy (ITDP). The two authored the fourth chapter, "Moving Toward Sustainable Transport, in Worldwatch's book State of the World 2012: Moving Toward Sustainable Prosperity, published in April 2012.

The largest financial commitment made at the Rio+20 Conference on Sustainable Development was a pledge by the 8 largest multilateral development banks (MDBs) to commit 500 staff and to dedicate $175 billion for more sustainable transportation in the coming decade. This unprecedented agreement was facilitated by the Partnership on Sustainable Low Carbon Transport (SLoCaT), which brings together 68 MDBs, civil society organizations, UN agencies, and research and industry organizations.

"This action promises to begin countering decades of unsustainable investments in transportation systems, such as building high-capacity motorways," said Michael Renner, Worldwatch Senior Researcher and State of the World 2012 project co-director. "But it will require new resources for civil society groups to be able to ensure independent monitoring of impacts and follow-through by MDBs."

"If transportation investments and management policies foster walking, cycling, use of high quality public transportation, and smart traffic management, growing urbanization can reduce consumption of scarce resources, protect public health, and deliver happier, nicer cities," said Michael Replogle, Managing Director for Policy and Founder of ITDP and State of the World 2012 contributing author. "These unprecedented MDB financial and reporting commitments present an opportunity to leverage large shifts in domestic and private transportation investment and to build capacity for a paradigm shift."

The demands on transportation infrastructure continue to mount. Without changes in policy, 2 to 3 billion cars will be on the world's roads by 2050, in comparison to 800 million cars today, according to the International Energy Agency.

Colin Hughes, Global Policy Director at ITDP and State of the World 2012 contributing author said "sustainable transport strategies can address rising mobility needs that accompany increases in population, employment, and trade at a lower cost overall, with more job creation and fewer adverse impacts."

The key to this approach is a new sustainability paradigm called "Avoid, shift, and improve."

Sustainable transportation can be achieved by avoiding unnecessary trips with smarter planning, pricing, and telecommunications; Shift trips to more sustainable modes with investments in bus rapid transit (BRT), walking, cycling, and traffic management, by limiting and pricing parking, by applying polluter-pays incentives, and offering better traveler information. Improve vehicle efficiency with cleaner fuels, better-operated networks, and efficient vehicle technology adapted to local conditions and requirements.

Worldwatch's State of the World 2012, released in April 2012, focuses on the themes of inclusive sustainable development discussed at Rio+20, the 20-year follow-up to the historic 1992 Earth Summit, which was also held in Rio de Janeiro. The report presents a selection of innovations and constructive ideas for achieving environmental sustainability globally while meeting human needs and providing jobs and dignity for all.

The Worldwatch Institute is an independent research organization based in Washington, D.C. that works on energy, resource, and environmental issues. The Institute's State of the World report is published annually in more than 18 languages. For more information, visit www.worldwatch.org.

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Top 10 Transporation Software Systems

Transportation software helps companies to be more efficient by saving time, energy and effort. This type of software is part of a winning approach that saves money by ensuring that company vehicles follow the most expedient route. This also reduces the amount of fuel needed and burning less fuel diminishes a company's footprint. Below you will find the top ten transportation software systems:

RedPrairie

RedPrairie's TMS meets the fleet management, route optimization, and parcel management needs of complex 3PLs and wholesale distributors. RedPrairie is one of the biggest names in supply chain technology.

JDA Software

JDA's TMS solution is used by large distributors, retailers and manufacturers to manage the flow of goods in and out of the warehouse. With over 6,000 customers, JDA is one of the biggest names in TMS.

TMW Enterprise Transportation Software

TMW offers modules for order entry, rating, dispatch, accounting and reporting to assist logistics operators of everything from an large, enterprise 3PL to a small transportation fleet.

Roadnet Transportation Suite

A worldwide provider of fleet optimization solutions, Roadnet offers fuel measurement, GPS tracking, route scheduling and more. This vendor became a private company in early 2011 after being a derivative of UPS since 1986.

RedPrairie On-Demand WMS

With the ability to directly integrate with large shipping carriers and produce shipping and pick tickets directly from sales orders, RedPrarie On-Demand WMS is also a great cloud-based system for logistics optimization.

SphereWMS

SphereWMS offers great TMS functionality within its warehouse application. Includes the ability to create custom packing lists and billing reports to get inventory out of the warehouse and delivered on-time.

CartonLogic

The web-based TMS from Wolin Design Group includes fleet, parcel tracking, and route optimization features. CartonLogic also includes warehouse and inventory optimization functionality.

3PLink

Camelot's 3PLink offers a TMS that is ideal for third party logistics operations. This system integrates with the 3PLink WMS application or works independently. The system features TL/LTL, bulk, and container management

Epicor Supply Chain Management

The supply chain execution functionality within Epicor Supply Chain Management provides the ability to manage the end-to-end supply chain process, from strategic sourcing all the way to transportation and distribution.

HighJump Warehouse Advantage

HighJump Warehouse Advantage has helped over 1,500 companies better operate their supply chains with its highly-customizable system that features labor and equipment scheduling, RFID communication, and putaway procedures.

Need help narrowing the options? Speak to experts and save weeks of research and costly mistakes. Click here to go to the Software Advice site or call for a free consultation at (888) 918-2748 where experts will recommend the best transportation software for your needs.

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Ten Greenest Trucking Companies in North America

Trucking companies are increasingly responding to the demand for transportation with a smaller footprint. Many companies are looking to be more environmentally responsible throughout their supply chains and in response trucking companies are implementing a wide variety of sustainable practices. With the aim of reducing their emissions, many trucking companies are using their vehicles more efficiently or incorporating vehicles that are less dependent on fossil fuels.

Here is a top 10 list of "Cleantech Trucking Companies" compiled by Shawn Lesser, Co-founder & Managing Partner of Atlanta-based Watershed Capital Group – an investment bank assisting sustainable fund and companies raise capital, perform acquisitions, and in other strategic financial decisions. He is also a Co-founder of the GCCA Global Cleantech Cluster Association ”The Global Voice of Cleantech”.

1. United Postal Service (UPS) has over 2,200 alternative fuel vehicles, which is the largest fleet in the industry. UPS also offers paperless billing and invoices and electronic equipment recycling.

2. J.B. Hunt announced in August of 2011 that it was named one of the top 75 Green Supply Chain Partners by Inbound Logistics. It received this recognition for the number of green initiatives the trucking company has done to remain environmentally sustainable. J.B. Hunt has been able to improve overall fuel efficiency, lower transportation costs, and lower carbon emissions by approximately 50 percent as compared to the traditional truckload. The Green Fleet is dedicated to reducing emissions and the Hunt Carbon Diet improves energy efficiency while also lowering transportation costs.

3. United Van Lines is the largest moving company in Canada, and has won a number of awards, including the 2009/2010 Award from Canada’s 50 Best Managed Companies. Some of the green initiatives include using reusable quilted furniture pads and floor runners, recycling tires and cartons, having regular scheduled trailer and truck maintenance to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. They are also looking to become a paperless company.

4. Swift Transportation is a participant in the Environmental Protection Agency’s SmartWay Transport Partnership as it is dedicated to creating a better future using green technologies. The company uses all the latest technologies to decrease their carbon footprint using their Clean Fleet and all new trucks and trailers are certified by the Environmental Protection Agency.

5. Penske Logistics was named, in 2010, a Green 50 Supply Chain Partner by Inbound Logistics due to the numerous approaches taken to lower the trucking company’s miles per gallon performance as well as reduce carbon dioxide emissions from its fleet of trucks. Penske is also a member of the Environmental Protection Agency’s SmartWay Transport Partnership. Penske always looks for optimized routes that will increase fuel efficiency. The trucking company is also involved with a number of recycling and green lighting programs.

6. Atlas Van Lines are always looking to conserve energy, reduce waste, and other things to protect the environment. For example, all trucks are equipped with on-board information systems that help truck drivers become more efficient with their fuel. Atlas has earned a lot of recognition for the company’s environmental stewardship, such as the John Biasini Award given by the Chamber of Commerce of Southwest Indiana.

7. FedEx, since 2000, has teamed up with the Environmental Defense Fund to ensure their standard trucks remained environmentally friendly. FedEx for many years has continued to look for ways to make their fleet operations even more efficient than they already are. The work FedEx does with the Environmental Defense Fund helps to improve the company’s overall environmental performance, increase the market share for clean delivery vehicles, and maintain/improve operational performance. FedEx has continually looked to encourage other trucking companies to develop and purchase clean-technology trucks. Currently, FedEx has over 250 hybrid-electric delivery trucks.

8. DHL recently introduced a brand new convoy of delivery trucks that are environmentally friendly throughout Manhattan, as a major step in the company’s green initiative. Frank Appel, the CEO of DHL said, “As customers worldwide are increasingly demanding greener logistics, sustainable business procedures, and initiatives…[it will not only foster climate protection to save our environment for future generations but] also enhance the profitability of our business.”

9. YRC Worldwide takes the environment seriously. It is a previous winner of the SmartWay Environmental Excellence Award. The company’s Destination Green program aids them in reducing carbon dioxide emissions, gallons per mile, and empty miles. They are currently testing two diesel electric hybrids in the trucking fleet, which will be used for pickups and deliveries in metropolitan areas.

10. C&K Trucking takes a lot of pride in making the environment one of the trucking company’s top priorities. C&K Trucking works with the Environmental Protection Agency’s SmartWay Transportation Program and has one of the highest ratings of all trucking companies. C&K Trucking has maintained focus on efficiencies and technologies that will aid in reducing their miles per gallon, thereby reducing their total carbon dioxide emissions. The company has installed software on trucks to measure efficiency metrics, retrofitted trucks, and created new speed management policies.

© 2012, Richard Matthews. All rights reserved.

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GOVgreen Conference & Expo

On November 9-10, 2010, GOVgreen held their Conference & Expo in Washington, DC. The event included eco-friendly car displays and over 100 exhibitors selling green products and services.

The keynote address was delivered on November 10, by environmentalist and president of the Waterkeeper Alliance, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. Mr Kennedy also took part in a press conference which followed.

There were technical Workshops and a plenary session with key representatives from DoD, DoS, GSA and EPA. In total there were 30 educational sessions presented by 85 speakers.

This event was organized to help government employees, military personnel and contractors learn about and comply with federal sustainability initiatives mandated by President Obama’s Executive Order 13514. It provides solutions for the government to reduce its carbon footprint, addressing areas such as energy, conservation, transportation and facilities.

GOVgreen conferences are free for government and military employees and open to contractors and consultants.

For more information go to GOVgreen.


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Smarter Cities' Best Green American Municipalities

American cities are showing leadership by making their cities more green. A Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) project called Smarter Cities, assessed American cities by their investments in green power as well as energy efficiency and conservation measures.

Out of a total of 655 cities, the 2010 Smarter Cities report names 22 “beacons of energy innovation” in ten states. According to the report, the best cities include six Californian cities (Berkeley, Huntington Beach, Long Beach, Oakland, Santa Clarita, Santa Cruz and San Francisco), four Texan cities (Austin, Dallas, Denton and El Paso), and New York, N.Y. For a complete summary of the top 22 green cities see the High Performers Survey Data Table.

Winning cities were assessed on nine dimensions including electricity consumption, EPA green power usage, distributed generation, state legislated energy reduction, greenhouse gas inventory, energy reduction strategy, conservation incentives, energy services and tracking progress.

Columbus’ Ohio is also a leader amongst green cities, they are doing everything they can to incentivize green innovation. The city is proving that sustainable business is good business, they have minimized energy costs and improved the quality of life for residents.

The most successful cities employ conservation tactics like energy audits, weatherization programs and energy-efficiency upgrades. One of the most effective strategies with a wide ripple effect involves supporting green business.

Smarter Cities' next plan is to tackle car-less commuting including public transportation and bike paths. They expect to complete their evaluation in the fall of 2010.
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Earth Day Business Resources

What can businesses do for Earth Day? From easy no cost money saving strategies to intensive overhauls of your workplace and supply chains, here is a comprehensive list of resources to help your business make the transition to a Greener world.


Administrative Operations

Reduce and reuse wherever possible. Eliminate unnecessary photocopying and encourage e-mailing. Use spell check and proofread before you print or copy. Print double sided whenever possible. Use digital storage solutions to cut down on paper. Set up an area to store and exchange reusable office supplies.

Recycling

Recycle everything you no longer need, from paper to packaging for shipping and e-cycling electronics. Find a recycling center near you. Make sure you properly dispose of items you can't reuse or recycle.

Alternative Transportation

Start a carpool, walk, bike, or use mass transportation instead of driving. Provide reserved parking for carpoolers. Offer transit passes to employees who take the bus or subway and bike racks for cyclists. Let workers telecommute. Teleconference instead of travel.

Energy Management

Unplug technology when it's not in use. Up to 75 percent of the electricity used to power office equipment is consumed while the product is turned off but still plugged in. Turn off your computer monitor, printers, copy machines, and the lights when they are not being used. If possible, take the stairs instead of using the elevator. See the consumer's guide to energy efficiency and renewable energy.

Use Energy Star's energy-efficient office products. Explore energy efficiency tips and products. See programs, tools and resources.

Green Power Partnership: Use the tools and other resources. Review information on the organizational procurement of Green power, see advice and technical support. Explore how Green power can improve your organization’s environmental performance.

General Technical Overview of Power Management: Review methods of maximizing IT power savings, see savings estimates, activation instructions, and software tools.

Eco-Buying

Buy recycled content, remanufactured, and recyclable office products. At a minimum, buy recycled paper and recycle it again. Buy compact fluorescent bulbs to replace incandescent bulbs. Make the environment, and not just price, a factor when purchasing. Tell suppliers that you're interested in sustainable products, and set specific goals for buying recycled, refurbished or used. Talk to suppliers about alternatives to toxins used in batteries and copier toner.

Water Management

Water-efficiency: Reduce operating costs by employing water-efficient practices. Convey an image of stewardship to employees, customers, and the general public by helping to conserve water resources for future generations.

Green Building

Apply green building principles to your office buildings: See how sustainable design (green building) principles apply to your place of business. Use tools and read information on worker productivity, risk and cost reduction and see what it means to build with greater responsibility towards future generations.

Go Green with GSA. Review the U.S. Government Services environmental initiatives designed to help federal agencies Go Green.

Green Resources for Business

The Global Environmental Management Initiative: (GEMI) Use the tools and review information geared towards helping businesses achieve environmental excellence.

Center for Waste Minimization: Conduct sustainable opportunities assessments to help your facilities reduce their waste and/or recycle by-products and pollution prevention.

Green Pages: Find screened and approved Green businesses.

Products and Services: Find environmentally preferable products and services, including environmental attributes to look for, procurement guidance, tools, case studies, and other resources.

Fedcenter.gov: Explore links to, and highlights from programs which enable agencies to meet these goals include: Environmentally Preferable Purchasing (EPP), Comprehensive Procurement Guidelines (CPG), ENERGY STAR®, the Green Procurement Program (GPP), and the Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP). Regulations, Guidance, and Policy / Supporting Information and Tools / Lessons Learned / Training, Presentations, and Briefings / Conferences and Events.

EPA Publications: What you can do at the office / What you can do in small business / What you can do in industry / What you can do in retail / What you can do when planning and conducting meetings and events.

Sustainable Business

World Business Council for Sustainable Development: Review a wide range of information on sustainable development.

Business and Climate Change Solutions: See what the science of climate change means in terms of the risks and opportunities for business.

Eco-Capitalism: Review tips from a successful eco-capitalist.

Businesses have many choices as to how they will celebrate Earth Day and increasingly discerning consumers are rewarding sincere efforts from companies who are investing in a sustainable world.

Although measures like switching to compact fluorescent bulbs can deliver up to 75 percent energy savings and last more than 10 times longer than incandescent bulbs, clearly this is not enough. Sustainability includes simple efforts repeated millions of times, but if we are to achieve the kind of change required we will need to do more than change light bulbs.

It is important that businesses lead the general population by doing as much as they can. By carefully reviewing operations and processes, businesses can find innovative and creative ways to recycle, reduce and reuse. We must take bold steps towards sustainability, not merely on Earth Day but everyday.

Next: Silencing Earth Day Critics

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