SPR 2013 Prime KTC: Green Infrastructure Measures B/C

Over the past several years, State Departments of Transportation have increasingly begun to embrace a new “triple bottom line” approach to business. This approach captures an expanded spectrum of values and criteria for measuring organizational success, encompassing the economic, the environmental, and the social. Ultimately, the central goal of the triple bottom line is sustainability and the results from the sample of states included in this review indicate that these sustainability initiatives have met largely with success. In all of the examples provided in FY2012 annual report, the initiatives discussed have been designed to increase environmental and economic efficiency and the results have been very encouraging. This is not to say, however, that all state DOTs are finding the same level of success in achieving the “triple bottom line”. Indeed, the ten state DOTs included in the FY2012 report represent those with the most recognizable commitments to sustainability, and some have a much greater commitment than others. This review was initiated to investigate the level of involvement of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) in adopting sustainability initiatives. The state of Kentucky has shown to have initiated or be in the process of initiating, several programs that contribute directly to the goals of sustainability. Combined with the realization that many states DOTs have very little in the way of significant sustainability achievements and few have singularly distinguished themselves there is an opportunity for the KYTC to distinguish itself with respect to sustainability and the “triple bottom line.” To this end, the FY2012 review makes the recommendation that movements toward these goals continue, beginning with a more comprehensive and in-depth research project and case study analysis to more acutely identify further areas where sustainable initiatives can be implemented. Furthermore, it recommends that a process be developed to examine these case studies utilizing the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) Sustainable Highways model in order to identify the areas in which the KYTC’s standards and practices meet the criteria of the FHWA’s program. Additionally, the KTC will investigate and recommend those programs that the KYTC can adopt with little to no additional investment. The FY2012 review itself proceeds in the following manner. First, there is a brief discussion of a sample of ten state DOTs across the country and some of their various sustainability initiatives. From there the report reviews some of the more significant sustainability initiatives undertaken by the KYTC. Finally, the review concludes with a summary and assessment of its findings, a recommendation regarding a future work-plan for FY 2013 and FY2014, and an appendix containing the technical memos on each of the programs discussed in the KYTC section. In FY 2013 the Green Infrastructure Project will move forward to analyze a number of completed KYTC projects within the sustainable highways framework in order to identify areas where KYTC excels in this arena, and areas where KYTC can easily implement new green initiatives that will benefit the triple bottom line of economic, environmental and social sustainability.