The magnitude of the MTA’s capital program presents an enormous opportunity to incorporate sustainable practices into our construction projects.
In 2023, the MTA formally launched the Clean Construction program. The MTA Clean Construction program encompasses four pillars – materials, equipment, waste, and design.
1. Reduce embodied carbon in construction materials
Embodied carbon refers to the emissions resulting from the extraction, manufacturing, transportation, installation, maintenance, and disposal of building materials. As of October 1, 2023, all MTA contractors are required to report on the embodied carbon content in select construction projects.
By reducing the embodied carbon content in construction materials, we can significantly reduce the climate impact of our projects. This is particularly true for materials that the MTA uses extensively, like concrete, asphalt, steel, and glass.
As of January 2024, low-carbon concrete specifications are included in all MTA construction contracts. This new requirement sets limits aimed to significantly reduce embodied carbon in various concrete mixes while maintaining structural performance.
2. Reduce impact of construction equipment
One of the most visible components of a construction project in a local community is the equipment, which creates both noise and local air quality impacts. We are seeking opportunities to pilot the use of zero-emission construction equipment, with a priority for deploying at projects within residential areas. Zero-emission models of construction equipment are largely still under development and are mainly only available for smaller equipment requiring less power.
3. Track and divert construction-related waste
In 2022, MTA construction projects generated 123,142 tons of waste. We successfully diverted 87% of this waste from landfills, going above our mandated 80% diversion requirement for contractors. Except for hazardous and industrial waste, this diverted waste is collected and recycled at various facilities or reused. For example, empty spools, wood pallets, and packaging are often reused in future projects. To ensure continued success, we mandate material recycling and reuse though our contract specifications and language.
4. Incorporate sustainable design into construction projects
MTA project managers and contractors collect, measure, and manage construction-related data from across the organization. This data will inform future sustainable design principles, allowing us to better evaluate and incorporate new opportunities for low-carbon materials in our construction projects.
Clean construction project milestones
The MTA has a long record of innovation in sustainable construction practices.
- Underway: Jamaica Bus Depot Expansion in Queens will include green roof and pursue LEED certification.
- 2024: New ramps connecting Randall’s Island to Queens and Manhattan via the Robert F. Kennedy Bridge formulated with low-carbon concrete, reducing embodied carbon by 24%.
- 2024: NYCT Bus Command Center in Brooklyn includes a 9,000 square foot green roof.
- 2020: LIRR Mid-Suffolk Yard construction maintained a 50-foot green barrier of pine trees between the rail yard and public spaces.
- 2016: Fulton Transit Center in Manhattan is the first subway station in the city to receive LEED Silver certification.
- 2014: MTA completes reconstruction of the Mother Clara Hale Bus Depot, a LEED Gold certified facility, with sustainability features including a green roof and a passive heating solar wall.
- 2008: Metro-North’s North White Plains facility achieves LEED Silver certification.
- 2007: Corona Maintenance Shop becomes the MTA’s first LEED certified building.