KPLU Local News
(2010-01-13)
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SEATTLE, WA
(KPLU) -
Road building is often seen as the antithesis of environmentalism. But researchers at the University of Washington say it doesn't have to be quite that bad. They've developed a rating system called "Greenroads" - similar to those used for appliances or buildings.
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It's early days yet, but Steve Muench - an assistant professor of engineering at the University of Washington - believes it's really just a matter of time till government mandates for green building go beyond vertical structures.
"The City of Seattle, King County, and Washington all have mandates that if they build a building, it's gotta be LEED certified. But they actually build a lot of roads every year and there's nothing covering that."
Muench heads a team that's spent three years spelling out all of the things that would be needed to certify green roads: everything from using recycled asphalt and more locally produced materials to making sure there's access for alternative modes of transportation or minimizing light pollution from streetlamps. Many of those items are considered extra credit and would get you a better Greenroads ranking. There are also basic requirements that must be met for certification - things like a standard environmental review looking at why a new road is needed at all. The engineering firm CH2M Hill is partnering with the UW on the Greenroads project, as is Oregon's department of transportation. So far they've used about half a dozen case studies to test the system. They say the first official certifications should come out within the next six months.
For more information:
Greenroads Industry Site
UW's Greenroads Site
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