NYSDOT Sustainability Policy
NYSDOT Sustainability Vision:
Exemplify how transportation supports a sustainable society.
NYSDOT Sustainability Mission:
To fully integrate sustainability into the Departmentâs decisions and practices in planning, designing, constructing, maintaining and operating New York Stateâs transportation system. NYSDOT will also model and advance sustainability in managing its internal resources.
NYSDOT Sustainability Definition:
A sustainable society manages resources in a way that fulfills the social (community), economic and environmental needs of the present without compromising the needs and opportunities of future generations.
A transportation system which supports a sustainable society is one that:
- Allows individual and societal transportation needs to be met in a manner consistent with human and ecosystem health with equity within and between generations.
- Is safe, affordable, accessible, operates efficiently, offers choice of transport mode, and supports a vibrant economy.
- Protects and preserves the environment by limiting transportation emissions and wastes, minimizes the consumption of resources and enhances the existing environment as practicable.
Over-arching Sustainability Strategies:
NYSDOT will advance sustainability by following these strategies:
- Develop, advocate and advance Department sustainability goals, objectives and strategies through interaction with Main Office and Regional employees, program areas, workgroups and external stakeholders.
- Incorporate sustainability concepts into the Departmentâs procedures, investments, policies, manuals, specifications, programs, projects and practices.
- Use the Sustainability Steering Committee as a feedback loop so that constructive participation is vetted through Executive Management.
- Develop and use sustainability measures and indicators to better manage NYSDOTs internal resources and programs.
- Facilitate partnerships through sharing of ideas and best practices.
- Evaluate the costs and benefits (societal, environmental, and economic) of transportation investments over life-cycles as well as fiscal cycles.
TRB 2012 Sustainability Poster:
Putting Our Money Where Our Mouth Is 
TRB 2012 Presentation: A State Level Perspective On The Future of Sustainability Decision Making
ICOET 2011 Paper: Incorporating Sustainability into NYSDOT's Decision Making
The Department will, as necessary, evaluate and adjust its sustainability goals, objectives and strategies to support the evolving needs of a sustainable society.
