METRO has received the coveted “Gold LEED” certification for the design and practices of environmentally friendly materials on the new Intermodal Transit Center.
The “LEED” being- Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design- is sought after by many companies that are “going green”.
The center received LEED points for using recycled materials during construction and recycling scrap materials after the initial construction. The Intermodal Transit Center houses a 20,000 gallon underground tank that holds rain water to be used for non-potable uses, such as toilets and landscaping. It also uses 45 geothermal wells to heat and cool the facility, thus making it one of the largest geothermal fields in Summit County.
The new transit center is also the home to 435 solar panels. The solar array generated 134,000 kilowatt hours of power in its first year of operation.
In addition, to the transit center, METRO’s bus garage located down the street from the center will house more than 3500 solar panels and the installation is scheduled to be completed this summer. It is expected to generate 700,000 kilowatt hours of power annually.
METRO is also selling solar credits from its center, bringing METRO approximately $50,000 in annual revenue. The bus barn solar array is expected to bring in $200,000+ in revenue by selling its solar credits.
In May, METRO introduced its first diesel/electric hybrid bus to its fleet of 200 buses. The bus reduces carbon emissions, saves on fuel and is smoother and quieter then the conventional diesel bus. The Gillig hybrid bus is being tested in our region for performance. METRO is hoping to purchase two more within the next year.
METRO opened the Intermodal Transit Center January of 2009. The center serves as the main transfer point for to 17,000 trips each day.
METRO RTA is the public transportation provider to the greater Akron area in Summit County, Ohio. In 2009, METRO transported more than five million passengers.
Learn more about our Award Winning Transit Center