The Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure announced the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s (MTA) first Envision Verified Award for the Times Square Shuttle project located in Midtown Manhattan, New York. This award recognizes projects that produce sustainable, equitable, and resilient outcomes and achieves credits in five categories, including quality of life, leadership, resource allocation, natural world, and climate and resilience.
Dewberry, a privately held professional services firm, partnered with MTA and its design and construction teams to secure the Envision Verified Award. The project resulted in significant upgrades to one of New York City’s busiest transportation hubs, improvements that are inherently sustainable since they improve public transportation. The project team prioritized environmental outcomes related to construction and operation, including a reduction in waste and greenhouse gas emissions. Final construction documentation revealed 97.8% of all construction waste by volume for the project was diverted from landfills. Operational estimates predict greenhouse gas emissions over the operational life of the project will be reduced by 26%, translating to 53% per rider.
“We were able to guide the MTA through the Envision process, using the Envision framework to not only highlight the sustainability achievements of the Times Square Shuttle project and MTA, but also to further elevate transit as a solution to a sustainable future for our communities and the planet,” says Dewberry Senior Associate and Sustainability Consulting Lead Antoinette Quagliata, ENV SP, LEED AP.
Originally opened in 1904, this project preserved and restored the Times Square 42nd Street corridor’s original historic fixtures and finishes, while incorporating updated lighting and colorful artwork, improving passenger circulation and safety.