Wave Transit’s Breathe Easy Initiative
Public transportation is a key component in the sustainability efforts in the United States. Transit helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions by providing a low emissions alternative to driving and facilitating compact development.
While public transportation in itself benefits the environment, Wave Transit is also implementing initiatives aimed at reducing emissions and our dependence on foreign oil with many projects. The sustainability efforts of the Authority were brought under a single umbrella in 2010 as our Breathe Easy…initiative. The Breathe Easy…program demonstrates Wave Transit’s commitment to our responsibility to limit emissions, reduce our dependence on foreign oil, and educate the community about the benefits of transit while continuing to be responsible stewards of the taxpayer investment in public transportation.
Some of the Breathe Easy… initiatives are simple. Things like recycling, minimizing the amount of documents printed (a real challenge for a governmental entity), using recycled paper and green printing practices for maps and documents, reducing vehicle idling, and encouraging the use of transit are simple. Although these little things may require sacrifice, the board and staff are committed to ensure that we practice what we preach.
Some of the Breathe Easy… initiatives are more complex. The following are examples of Wave Transit’s leadership in implementing and promoting sustainably.
Compressed natural gas produces fewer undesirable gases than the fuels mentioned above. It is safer than other fuels, because natural gas is lighter than air and disperses quickly when released.
Low Emission Vehicles
Compressed Natural Gas
In 2012, the Authority undertook a detailed analysis of alternative fueling options. On September 27, 2012 the Authority unanimously resolved to begin transitioning the fleet to compressed natural gas. View a copy of the report. In April 2015, the Authority officially dedicated its new $1.1M CNG fueling station. Since commissioning the CNG station, the Authority has converted its entire fixed-route fleet to CNG vehicles. Significant fuel savings and emissions reductions have been realized from the CNG initiative.
The Authority is committed to sustainability and evaluation of multiple options will produce an environmentally sensitive fleet that meets the needs of our passengers and the community.
100% of Wave Transit’s fixed-route fleet runs on compressed natural gas (CNG)
Press Release: Wave Transit Awarded Nearly $3million for Smaller, Greener Buses
Sustainably Built Facilities
Wave Transit LEEDing the Way
While it’s easy to talk the talk, as they say, Wave Transit also feels a responsibility to walk the walk. Sure, buying hybrid buses and recycling are important but Wave Transit’s commitment to sustainability goes much deeper. That’s why our Breathe Easy initiative includes our facilities and building practices.
90% – 95% of water from washing our vehicles will be recaptured and recycled.
This saves money and helps protect the environment.
Our dramatic growth since the creation of Wave Transit in 2004, has necessitated three new Wave Transit buildings. These include Forden Station, an Operations and Maintenance Center, and Padgett Station. The images below show the facilities as listed from left to right.
Forden Station
Our main bus transfer station (located at 505 Cando St.) was completed in 2011 and was built to the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) gold standard. It encompasses geothermal heating and air conditioning, a green roof and pervious concrete as its main sustainable initiatives. LED lighting, motion light sensors, low VOC paints and other environmentally friendly initiatives have also been incorporated into the building. Engineers estimate that Forden Station is 45% – 50% more energy efficient than a traditionally built structure.
Operations and Maintenance
The facility (located at 1480 Castle Hayne Rd.) was completed in 2015 and built to meet LEED silver standards. It features geothermal heating and air conditioning, pervious concrete, LED lighting, motion light sensors, low VOC paints and other environmentally friendly initiatives.
Padgett Station
Our secondary transfer station (located at 520 North 3rd St.) was completed in 2020 and built to meet LEED silver standards. This project also included an additional sustainability feature: the adaptive reuse of the historic Neuwirth building to serve as the customer lounge and administrative offices.
Shaping the Next Generation
As part of our commitment to ensuring that future generations understand the importance of sustainability, Wave Transit provides educations resources to demonstrate firsthand our environmental protection programs. Students are encouraged to visit Forden Station to learn the environmental benefits of public transportation. Displays detail information about the sustainable improvements at Forden Station as well as the benefits of hybrid buses. Students are also given age appropriate materials to take home about the Authority’s message on sustainability. If you are interested in this Breathe Easy…initiative, please call 910-343-0106 for details. There is no cost for this service.