Project Details
| Description | Transportation Sustainable Solutions GHG Inventories & Climate Action Plans |
| Location | Volusia County, FL |
| Client/Owner | Volusia County Metro Plan Organization |
Votran Greenhouse Gas Inventory & Climate Action Plan
There is increasing scientific evidence that carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases (GHG) released into the atmosphere are having a profound effect on the Earth’s climate, escalating the risk to coastal communities from more frequent extreme weather events and sea level rise. Based on conservative estimates, Daytona Beach could experience as much as 1.5 meters in sea level rise by 2040.
Concern over global climate change has resulted in increased legislative focus on addressing GHG emissions and climate adaptation. In response to these concerns, RS&H developed a greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory and Climate Action Plan for Votran to ensure the continued viability of public transportation in Volusia County.
RS&H calculated Votran’s 2007, 2008 and 2009 GHG emissions for its operations using the World Resources Institute (WRI) GHG Protocols. Based on these calculated GHG emissions, RS&H developed a Climate Action Plan to guide Votran towards a sustainable future that reduces GHG emissions from 2007 levels, complies with legislative requirements and meets the goals of the Green Volusia Program.
As part of the Climate Action Plan, RS&H identified ways Votran could reduce its GHG footprint as it relates to fuel consumption by focusing on efforts to reduce the amount of fuel consumed and increase the number of passenger miles riding public transit. As a result of emission reduction strategies Votran could reduce its overall GHG footprint by 25 percent by 2017.
