The Chicago Transit Authority today announced that the agency has joined The Climate Registry – www.theclimateregistry.org – a non-profit collaboration among North American states, provinces and territories that sets standards for calculating greenhouse gas emissions and provides public information on all registrants’ efforts to achieve those standards.
"Mayor Daley long has been an advocate of environmentally-friendly initiatives and continues to work toward making Chicago a Green City," said CTA President Richard L. Rodriguez. "We all know public transportation is inherently environmentally-friendly but CTA also does much more to be conscious of how its operations may impact the environment. This registry is just one more way to refine our efforts and make this information available to everyone interested in knowing how we’re doing."
Membership with The Climate Registry allows CTA to begin quantifying and verifying greenhouse gas emissions in order to increase operational efficiency, identify greenhouse gas risks, prepare for emerging federal regulations and participate in policy discussions relevant to public transportation.
The CTA continually is focused on making decisions in its day to day operations that are environmentally-friendly. Among them are:
- The addition of 228 hybrid buses to the CTA fleet. Hybrid buses are quieter, cleaner and run more smoothly than conventional engine systems and offer an improved riding experience for customers.
- The installation of green roofs on the CTA headquarters building at 567 W. Lake, and on an electrical substation at Clifton (Red Line). Green roofs conserve energy, reduce storm water runoff and decrease urban heat islands.
- The CTA purchases recycled materials where possible and promotes recycling at its facilities.
- Developing a bike & ride program – all CTA buses are equipped with bus racks and bicycle parking is available at more than 130 of 144 CTA rail stations.
# # #