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Environmental and Sustainability Management Systems

What is an ESMS?

FTA's Environmental and Sustainability Management System (ESMS) Training and Technical Assistance Program helps transit agencies with developing and implementing an ESMS at their facilities. Participants in the program receive free training workshops, on-site assessments, electronic materials and resources, and consultation to help develop an ESMS using standard 14001 of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).

FTA is currently conducting the 2024-2025 ESMS Training and Technical Assistance Program with five transit agencies that were selected during the April 22 to June 14th, 2024 application period. Future FTA ESMS Program open application periods will be announced on social media, via GovDelivery Bulletin, and FTA’s ESMS website.

WHY ESMS?

FTA encourages project sponsors to minimize the impact of their operations and construction through environmentally sound practices. An ESMS is a set of processes and practices that enables an organization to reduce its environmental impacts and increase operating efficiency. The environmental benefits of implementing an ESMS include:

  • Enhanced ability to analyze, control, and reduce environmental impacts, such as air emissions and oil in wastewater
  • Reduction in the number, type, and severity of compliance incidents
  • More efficient and controlled operations
  • Cost savings
  • Improved relationships with employees, regulators, systems users, and the public 
     

ESMS Resources and Trainings

Technical Assistance Final Reports

The following final reports from each completed round of the program provide additional details about each participant’s ESMS and the benefits they achieved from implementing an ESMS: