About GHP

GREEN HIGHWAYS PARTNERSHIP COLLABORATING for PROGRESS

The Green Highways Partnership is a revolutionary approach to achieving sustainable transportation infrastructure and improved environmental compliance, protection, and preservation. The approach provides for predictable pathways to streamline the delivery of transportation projects through incentives and recognition including, innovative market based solutions... a unique “silo-smashing” initiative. The Green Highways Partnership (GHP) is a voluntary, public/private network focusing on effective, green transportation partnering, innovation and collaboration. The GHP is shaping the development of transportation infrastructure in the Mid-Atlantic.

For many years, because of disparate missions, it was thought that the environmental and transportation communities could not coexist and that their relationships were destined to always be adversarial. In the planning, design and construction of highways, Departments of Transportation have to address hundreds of local, state and federal environmental regulations. Likewise, protecting and restoring environmental quality, such as water quality, and environmental services, can be affected by the construction of transportation and other public infrastructure. These competing missions can result in the delay of both construction of needed public infrastructure and the protection and restoration of essential environmental resources. However, the increasing demand and expectations from the public for both improved transportation systems and protection of our natural environment set the stage for a shift in the adversarial paradigm. As this demand increased, the players also found increasingly complex environmental problems. Increasing cost of doing business and ever shrinking resources drove the formation of this partnership to encourage the recognition of common goals and the need to leverage not only resources but also the knowledge and experience found in government, non-governmental organizations and the private sector.

What makes the GHP different from other transportation/environmental collaborations is the scope of participation in the Partnership. The Partnership includes transportation experts from private consultants, contractors, industry, academia, trade organizations, environmental groups, as well as government agencies. By leveraging the knowledge and experience of these experts, we are together developing innovative approaches for planning, designing, constructing, as well as, operation and maintenance, and regulatory compliance of transportation facilities. Involving such a broad array of interests provides the opportunity to uniquely incorporate the concepts of marketability, regulatory consistency, and integrated planning into our new and existing approaches. The end result is that transportation infrastructure will address both societal needs and environmental sustainability. The focus of GHP is to leverage partnerships, recognition, and opportunities to promote, develop, and demonstrate sustainable solutions.

GHP HISTORY

The Green Highways effort was initiated by Region 3 of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The Green Highways concept was originally vetted through key EPA Headquarters programs, the Federal Highway Administration, as well as with trade organizations, the Transportation Research Board, the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, and private transportation consultants. This coordination launched a June 2005 Executive Planning Charette held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to establish a definition and vision and to get feedback from Senior Executives of these organizations. Over 50 leaders and senior-level executives from the public and private sector participated in this productive session. The EPA was represented by senior officials from the EPA Regional Office and Headquarters Program Offices. Several Division Administrators, Division environmental staff, and senior Headquarters officials represented FHWA at the charette.

The initial organizing efforts culminated in a Green Highways Forum held November 10, 2005, in College Park, Maryland. The Forum, for the first time, brought together several hundred practitioners including State, Federal and local transportation and environmental officials, as well as professionals from various private sector companies, and trade associations. The Forum, funded by FHWA, EPA and the Maryland State Highway Administration and sponsored by leading private sector transportation firms provided a unique opportunity to forecast business trends, debate key policy issues, and hear directly from top policy makers concerning the future of the GHP. “The Green Highways Forum is a turning point toward the creation of good will relationships and partnerships for the advancement of transportation and the environment," explained FHWA's Former Office of Planning, Environment, and Realty Associate Administrator Cynthia J. Burbank.

As a follow-up to the Forum, over 40 people from both the Green Highways Leadership and invitees from the transportation and resource agencies, industrial organizations and non profits met in St. Michaels, Maryland in March 2006. The purpose of the retreat was to frame the future of the Green Highways and refine the “road map” for the Partnership. The broader group divided into three Theme Teams to turn the Green Highways vision into pilots, projects, and measurable outcomes.

The early action Theme Teams were identified as: Watershed-Driven Stormwater Management; Recycling and Reuse (Industrial By-Products Uses/Implementation); and Conservation and Ecosystem Management. These areas are ripe for focus because of the alignment of public/private resources and advancements in environmental science and technology. Significant collaboration is needed to align the wide variety laws, regulations, policies, specifications, and procurement methods. A functioning partnership is essential to develop sustainable solutions when obstacles arise.

GHP MILESTONES TIMELINE UP TO JANUARY 2010

•	Green Highways Conceptualization & Partnership Outreach Efforts—2004
•	Executive Forum “Designing a Blueprint for Success” - 6/2005
•	GHP Partnership Formed & Goals, Mission & Guiding Principles Developed— 10/2005
•	“Envisioning the Future of Transportation & Environmental Protection” GHP Forum & Executive Session —11/2005
•	“Building a Green Highway” Transportation Research Board Annual Meeting Workshop –January 2006
•	GHP Roadmap & Theme Teams Formed at Ad Hoc Committee Retreat—March 2006
•	Creation of the Industrial Resources Council (IRC) for GHP Coordination
•	Creation of the GHP Website— 10/2006
•	Establishment of GHP Pilot Grants and Demonstrations (DC & MD) - 2006/2007
•	GHP Federal Regulatory Roundtable— 10/2006
•	EPA, Prince Georges County Maryland, National Ready Mix Concrete, National Asphalt Pavement Association sponsors Permeable Pavement Study at Villanova University— 2006
•	Green Highways Partnership wins Gold Medal at EPA’s National Honor Award Ceremony—2007
•	GHP recognized by the US House Committee on Science and Technology—2007
•	GHP Planning, Designing & Constructing a Green Highway Workshop, US 301 Waldorf Area Transportation Improvements Case Study & Maryland SHA Announces Development of Green Highway —2007
•	GHP Explores Integration of Clean Water Act Sections 401, 402, and 404—2007
•	“Conserving Resources & Building Infrastructure with Recycled Materials “ - First GHP Industrial Byproducts Recycling Workshop—2007
•	First County GH Program Announced—Prince Georges County, MD—2007
•	GHP highlighted in the Transportation Streamlining & Stewardship Annual Report to the President— January 2008
•	Second GHP Progress Report issued – January 2008
•	Inaugural GHP Leadership Forum and Recognition Program – January 2008
•	EPA & GHP Develop Model Environmental Stewardship Agreement with National Ready Mixed Concrete Pavement Association – MOA signed March 9, 2008
•	Created and published new series of GHP “Fact Sheets” for each of the three development areas; Watershed Based Storm Water Management, Recycling and Beneficial Reuse, Collaboration for progress and a nprimer on Collaboration for use and down load.
•	GHP Digest launched – August 2008 with over 1,000 individuals and organizations participating in GHP Digest –by December 2009
•	Developed and hosted the 2009 GHP Leadership Forum and Recognition Program – “Trailblazers in Sustainability” held in January 2009 with opening keynote provided by the Honorable David Wu, US House of Representatives.
•	Developed and hosted the 2010 GHP Leadership Forum and Recognition Program-“Beyond Sustainability” with opening keynote addresses by the Honorable the Honorable Robert Perciasepe, Deputy Administrator, US Environmental Protection Agency and the keynote honoring the memory of the late Raja Veeramachaneni, by the Honorable John Porcari, Deputy Secretary of Transportation, US DOT.
•	Supported and assisted with the coordination and development of the regions first green street initiative in Edmonston, Maryland. Helped coordinate and host ground braking event with keynote address by EPA Administrator, Lisa Jackson January 2010
•	Revised, redesigned and updated GHP Website and launched the new open source platform site in February 2010.

TOP

BENEFITS

Better-than-Before
The GHP goal is to promote market-driven innovation, stewardship, streamlining, and regulatory consistency. GHP activities are rooted in stewardship, safety, and sustainability, with targeted activities to address its mission and primary benefit of “meeting transportation requirements and applying environmental stewardship so that both are better than before”.

The GHP promotes a voluntary, not regulatory approach, and continues to grow as a collaborative effort, through an extensive public-private partnering network of industry, trade, & environmental organizations, private sector (consultants & contractors), and government (local, state, & federal).

The benefits of building a Green Highway are far-reaching. For commuters, a Green Highway means improved traffic flow and less time on the road. For communities, it means economic stimulation and re-vitalization of community assets. For ecosystems, it means minimal encroachment and optimal stormwater management. For Green Highway Partners, it can mean national recognition.

T OP

ORGANIZATION

Partnership Development
The GHP strives to integrate public/private interest among federal/state transportation and regulatory agencies, contractors, the materials industries, trade associations, academic institutions and non-governmental agencies (NGO’s/MPO’s)–0ver 100 organizations—to develop and advance green highways goals.

It also integrates goals of existing initiatives such as, Context Sensitive Solutions (CSS) Environmental Stewardship, and Sustainability. Partnership teams in the Mid-Atlantic region have organized around the following focus areas:

GHP Steering Committee - Champions overall effort, provides direction and support; Consists of key assignees of the partner organizations; and Identifies and resolves resource and sustainability issues

GHP Management Team - Champions and manages activities; Ensures accountability for partners and activities; Enables progress of efforts through resource support and removal of barriers; Identifies opportunities through which to achieve GHP goals and objectives; and Provides support to GHP Action Teams

Theme-Oriented Action Teams/ Leaders - Responsible for advancing the issue as per the business plan and action plan; Involves the right people and coordinates with their team; Communicates progress, barriers and breakthroughs to core coordination group and their team.

Core Operations/Coordination Group - Staff level group to maintain operations and keep the logistics active; Manages grants, contracts, and other support vehicles; Staffed by EPA and FHWA, and supported by a paid coordinator/facilitator; Distributes periodic progress reports to the entire GHP

Communications, Outreach & Recognition Coordinator – Supports regular communication and reporting among the Steering Committee, Management Team, and Theme Teams; Supports information networking through electronic tools - GHP website and Digest; Coordinates GHP planning meetings and recognition Forum; Assists issue teams with workshops, and cross-cutting GHP workshops: Facilitates support for GHP activities through private sponsors.

TOP

GHP PRINCIPLES

10 Guiding Principles:

•	Achieve goals through voluntary participation and public/private partnerships.
•	Utilize market-based approaches and economic incentives.
•	Provide communication and support network to avoid duplication and help streamline business practices and processes among those organizations supporting and enabling the “Green Highways” philosophy.
•	Promote collaborative approach to conservation and integrated, watershed management that leverages efforts of all levels of government and the private sector to maximize benefits.
•	Promote innovative stormwater protection.
•	Promote use of recycled materials.
•	Recognize and encourage existing environmental stewardship practices among transportation agencies by promoting them among a broader stakeholder universe.
•	Remove barriers to achieving innovative and positive results.
•	Leverage transportation and environmental resources (public and private) to multiply benefits and maximize results.
•	Support and stimulate applied research and training to remove barriers identified by partners and stakeholders.

TOP

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is the phrase "Green Highways" an oxymoron?

Not at all. Green highways reflects a new paradigm, one that bridges the gap between the environmental and transportation communities. This bridge is the result of an unprecedented collaboration between the Environmental Protection Agency and the Federal Highway Administration. As word spreads, the network of partners expands; each partner is a unique asset in shifting the paradigm further and making our highways greener.

What makes a highway "green?"

A green highway integrates transportation functionality and ecological sustainability. Green highways are:

•	built with permeable materials that provide superior watershed-driven stormwater management, thus preventing metals and toxins from leaching into streams and rivers thus helping to improve water quality
•	constructed with recycled materials, thereby reducing landfill usage.
•	designed using cutting-edge technologies to protect critical habitats and ecosystems from the encroachment of highway infrastructure

A green highway can differ from project to project, and location to location and can include any combination of the following:

What are the steps to building a green highway?

The major stages of the Green Highway process are:

Planning and Preliminary Design
Integrated Planning is key to the ultimate development of a “Green” Highway. Combining the principles in the FHWA’s "Linking Planning" and NEPA with the ecological and natural landscape process in green infrastructure planning, GHP espouses the integration of the local priorites for watershed and natural resource protection, land use and transportation. GHP suggest the use of a charrette process to align planning goals and priorities. Charrettes bring in a diverse collection of participants to assure a full discussion of issues, interrelationships, and impacts. Its time limits challenge people to rapidly, openly, and honestly examine the problem and help potential adversaries reach consensus on an appropriate solution. For more information on the charrette process, visit the Federal Highway Administration website.

Preliminary Design typically involves the formal “environmental review process” for the development of highway projects. If an integrated planning process has involved the regulatory, resource and other environmental agencies, the process results should be the first step in the coordination process. GHP suggests that the preliminary design, environmental review process be a collaborative coordinated approach with all agencies (environmental, community, socio-economic, cultural, historic, transportation, etc) participating as equal partners invested in the outcome of the process. An integrated process such as the Mid-Atlantic Transportation and Environmental Streamlining Process is an examples of successful collaborative process. The result of the preliminary Design step should be a project which meets the transportation needs of the locality and addresses the regulatory requirements of the agencies involved. A Green Highway is one that meets the regulatory requirements but goes beyond those requirements to make the environment better than before.

Final Design and Construction

Meticulous integrated planning manifests itself in the second stage of the process, the final design and construction of the highway. Final Design Plans lay out the ways to address transportation and regulatory requirements discussed in the preliminary design phase. This is the stage where Industrial by-products and recycled materials can be incorporated into the project. Construction processes can be used that minimized disturbance of lands not needed for the highway cross-section and balance the cut and fill to avoid the use of virgin materials. The result is a highway that will benefit transportation, the ecosystem, urban growth, and surrounding communities.

Operations and Maintenance

The range of activities and services provided by the transportation system and the upkeep and preservation of the existing system operations includes, the range of activities/services provided by the transportation system. Maintenance relates to the upkeep and preservation of the existing system. GHP activities in the operations and management stage is a constant effort to optimize traffic flow, implement stormwater BMP's, maximize recycling, and reduce overall environmental impact. Monitoring and evaluation systems ensure that issues, threats, and opportunities can be dealt with appropriately.

The GHP is a unique “partnership” which provides more effective mechanisms for delivery of innovative “tools” addressing the delivery of transportation projects in a holistic, integrated fashion. Its public/private make-up enables balanced approaches to the delivery of these different practices for more sustainable results. As illustrated below, Green Highways creates synergic opportunities to unite a number of existing initiatives under a single comprehensive approach. A sampling of these efforts include: Green Infrastructure; Context Sensitive Solutions (CSS); Linking Planning and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA); Exemplary Ecosystem Initiative; Eco-logical and the Mid Atlantic Transportation & Environmental Streamlining Process Framework.

Steps to Building a Green Highway-

WHAT IS A CHARRETTE?

A charrette is a planning session that brings in all of the stakeholders on a particular project. The session focuses on the task at hand and challenges the participants to rapidly, openly, and honestly examine the problem and help potential adversaries reach consensus on an appropriate solution. Charrettes are often used as a valuable part of the GHP planning process. For more information on charrettes, visit the Federal Highway Administration website.

TOP

OPPORTUNITIES

An objective of the green highways partnership is to identify, promote and recognize “leading edge” pilot projects which demonstrate GHP goals to increase the visibility of creative solutions and inspire others to pursue green choices. Pilot projects strengthen partnerships, stimulate creative research, showcase effective solutions, and encourage market-based initiative while demonstrating green highway characteristics.

•	Anacostia Watershed Protection
•	Villanova University Pervious Pavement Stormwater Studies
•	Prince George’s County Green Highways Program and Stormwater BMP Support Model
•	Watershed Resource Registry Pilot
•	Delaware Department of Transportation NPDES permit supporting GHP principles
•	Phosphorus Removal from Stormwater using Steel Slag – an EPA Region 3 RARE project which is studying the viability of using electric blast furnace slag material to remove P from stormwater runoff.

TOP