Transportation
Continental Airlines
Fleet
Today, Continental is nearly 35 percent more fuel efficient for every mile a passenger flies than in 1997. In order to further reduce emissions and increase fuel efficiency, Continental will continue to invest in efficient and advanced aircraft technology. It will also continue to apply responsible operating procedures to further reduce the impact of its fleet on the environment. Furthermore, Continental will work with national and international governments to improve air traffic control systems so that aircraft routings will result in fewer emissions.
Ground Equipment
Continental is committed to using electric rather than fossil-fuel-powered ground equipment wherever feasible. At the Houston hub, Continental has been using electric ground equipment since 2002 and it will have reduced emissions from ground equipment approximately 75 percent by the end of 2007. Continental has begun a cold-weather test of this electric ground equipment at the New York/Newark hub. It is also testing the use of alternative fuel and fuel additives for ground service equipment.
Facilities
Continental is committed to constructing its airport facilities according to the U.S. Green Building Council Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) and Environmental Protection Agency Energy Star standards when feasible. As part of LEED, Continental will integrate high-efficiency components into facilities and implement programs to conserve energy, save natural resources, reduce emissions and minimize the impact on the environment.
Cultural Awareness
Continental recognizes that the preservation of the environment is an essential part of its business practices. It is committed to promoting a culture that is focused on being environmentally sensitive as Continental works with its employees, customers, suppliers, industry organizations and the communities it serves in safeguarding the environment for future generations.
In 2007, FORTUNE magazine named Continental one of the top ten global companies across all industries in the Community/Environment category on its list of Global Most Admired Companies.
Metropolitan Transit Authority (METRO)
METRO's Green Drive
The wheels for a cleaner tomorrow are in motion today at METRO! The Authority is expanding its ongoing efforts to help make Houston air easier to breathe by rolling out 40 new diesel-hybrid buses. This marks yet another milestone for METRO, which first implemented the state of the art technology in 2003 with four buses that were converted to the hybrid system. This earth-friendly buy places 30 aging buses into retirement.
Though the evolution of hybrid bus technology is still maturing, its adoption is widespread. Taking on this modern system symbolizes our pledge to clean up the environment. Its architecture combines a diesel fuel engine with an electric motor powered by batteries. The system optimizes the performance of the electric motor at low speeds as well as the engine at highway speeds in a controlled and calculated manner. The end result – lower fuel consumption, fewer harmful chemicals being released into the air and it still gets you where you need to go!
Going the Extra Mile
Going hybrid is just one small step toward helping create a healthier community. METRO also makes sure that all of its buses are in tip-top shape with regular maintenance checks. Half of METRO’s bus fleet is also designed to automatically shutdown after sitting idle, reducing the amount of exhaust rising into the atmosphere. The goal is to install this program on the entire fleet. METRO buses are also equipped with the Integrated Vehicle Operations Management System (IVOMS), which among its many features integrates Traffic Signal Priority (TSP) technology. The two systems work hand-in-hand to give buses preferential treatment at fixed route intersections by extending the green light. This not only improves the flow of traffic, but reduces pollution caused by idling.
Let's Park It
Creating a transit-friendly community is vital to improving the region’s air quality. That’s why METRO encourages commuters to park their cars. It’s estimated that every weekday approximately 124,000 cars are off the road with the help of METRO buses, vanpools, carpools, light rail and the use of more than 100 miles of HOV lanes. That means less vehicles are contaminating the air with harmful, toxic materials.
Shifting Gears with Bikes on Buses
Getting around Houston just got easier with METRO’s new Bikes on Buses program. Discover how you can combine your bike and bus trip to local trails, work, school or other destinations. Our local fleet is expected to be equipped with front mounted bike racks that can hold two bicycles on a first-come, first-serve basis. Park & Ride buses, however, will not have racks but cyclists may store their bikes in marked luggage compartments. Not only are you building fitness by riding your bicycle to the nearest bus stop, but you’re pedaling toward a greener Houston by including METRO in your trip.
A Lighter Shade of Green
METRO offers yet another mode to help protect the air – light rail. The city’s 7.5-mile electrically powered transportation network not only promotes activity along the popular Main Street corridor, but decreases the amount of pollution; both air and noise. Each rail car has a seating and standing capacity of 200 people. METRORail moves riders quickly and efficiently while allowing the community to take a collective breath of fresh air.
On the Hot Track with METRO Solutions
METRO Solutions is on the move to clear up congestion and the air quality in the region. The ambitious transit plan focuses on five of the most congested corridors and the expansion of light rail. Our multi-modal transit project aims to improve the flow of traffic around the city, while circulating fresher air by offering the community additional, perhaps more fitting, alternatives to increase mobility.
Major Components of the METRO Solutions plan include:
- Nearly 9 miles of light rail serving the Uptown/Galleria area to the University of Houston and Texas Southern University
- 21 miles of fixed-guideway transit designed for future light rail conversion
- Advance planning for 28 miles of Commuter Rail
- 40 miles of Signature Bus Service/Suburban Bus Rapid Transit
- Conversion of HOV to HOT Lanes
- 9 new Park & Ride lots (250 miles of two-way service)
- 9 new Transit Centers
Recycling
There are other ways METRO contributes to creating a stronger environment – recycling. As part of its conservation program, METRO recycles the water it uses to wash its fleet of 1,221 buses. The Authority has reduced the number of gallons used per bus to 41 from 47; roughly a 14 percent reduction in usage. In addition to monitoring water consumption, METRO also recycles scrap metal, tires, batteries, wood palettes and oil. Older, smog trailing buses are also being scrapped as opposed to reselling, in an effort to reduce emissions by as much as 50 percent. Throughout METRO facilities, you’ll notice the use of green-tipped fluorescent lamps which contain lower levels of mercury. From the buses on city streets to the buildings we operate, METRO is making a concerted effort to efficiently use materials and minimize our impact on the environment.
Green Houston 
