THE STM AND EARTH DAY: TOGETHER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT !

Press release

Montréal, April 10, 2012 > –  – In May 2010, the STM made sustainability one of its priorities: it then adopted a corporate policy on sustainable development that includes the business practices and commitments related to the main sustainability issues the company wants to tackle. It is important for the STM to help make Montreal a great place to live, a place with clean air. Viewed as a source of inspiration, the STM is spotlighting public transit’s contribution to sustainability thanks to a number of collaborative and promotional activities.

EVERY PASSENGER COUNTS FOR THE PLANET
Through its partnerships, the STM is multiplying its efforts toward sustainable change. And not only is its partnership with Jour de la Terre Québec self-evident, it also enables the STM to repeat how important using public transit is for the environment.

“Using public transportation, either on a regular or occasional basis, means taking action for a healthier environment. Sunday, April 22, is a perfect day for taking concrete action. So I am inviting the public, especially Montrealers, to ride the bus or métro that day,” declared STM chairman, Michel Labrecque, who insisted on adding that “every passenger counts for the planet. In fact, in 2011, the number of passenger rides on public transit did as much good for the planet as over two million trees in one year, equal to about 2000 times the number of trees on Mount Royal.”

« Although speaking to all Montrealers, the STM is taking special aim at motorists. Indeed, it is hoping to encourage them to try out public transportation so that they adopt it and become regular or occasional users. But beyond such encouragement, the STM is taking environmental action in other ways that also help improve its bottom line in terms of sustainability,” indicated Mr. Labrecque, who took the opportunity to outline some of the STM’s commitments.

STATIONARY EQUIPMENT
The STM is going ahead with replacing the trucks in its fleet of métro service vehicles with less energy-consuming ones. With métro stations, the STM continued deploying its energy-efficiency program with the installation of a system of energy-saving standby speed and motors on 25 escalators.

WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN
In fall 2011, the STM instituted a major change and began deploying its waste management plan (PGMR). Its goal for the short term is to reduce the quantity of trash by two-thirds, while tripling the quantity of recyclable matter it recovers.

In the long term, the STM wants to ensure it collects as little trash and as much recyclable matter as possible. This new approach should also make the trash collection process easier to manage, as well as facilitating the work of maintenance employees who can then concentrate on improving cleanliness and customer service.

According to a first characterization study, this major change is showing significant results: the quantity of recyclable matter in trash bins has been reduced from 62% to 31%, while the ratio for recovered paper products has risen from 81% to 96% with a low contamination levels. A customer survey shows that 60% of respondents are in agreement with the STM regarding the replacement of trash bins along train platforms with trach collecting islands inside stations. Removing trash bins from train platforms improves passenger safety, as well as health and safety of employees who make fewer trips carrying trash.

NEW MÉTRO CARS
The MPM-10 project bureau is responsible for acquiring the 468 new métro cars and for adapting the métro’s infrastructure and stationary equipment needed for deploying the new rolling stock in STM installations. The new cars will offer more space for passengers, more comfort and better ventilation. The contract awarded in 2010 for the cars scheduled for delivery in 2014 includes requirements that meet the highest standards in terms of environmental footprint.

MAJOR REFIT FOR MÉTRO MAINTENANCE SHOP
To adapt the maintenance shop for the physical and technological requirements of the new rolling stock using a sustainable approach, the STM is undertaking a major refit of its métro maintenance shop by integrating design criteria pertaining to water reclamation and energy efficiency, among others, in order to obtain a LEED certification (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design).

STINSON BUS GARAGE
In November 2011, the STM announced the construction of the Stinson bus garage. Located in the borough of Saint-Laurent, the two-storey building will boast a total surface area of 38 400 m2 and house 300 buses (200 conventional and 100 articulated ones). A few basic facilities are also planned in order to eventually house electric vehicles. The STM will spare no effort to ensure the new building receives a LEED GOLD certification, one of the highest in the industry, making it the first LEED GOLD bus garage in Canada.

ACKNOWLEDGING THE STM’S EFFORTS
“The STM’s efforts in terms of sustainability are producing results and are being acknowledged by the public transportation industry. Indeed, no later than last Tuesday, March 28, the STM received an international award marking its commitment toward sustainable development for a third consecutive year.”

“This year, the STM was the recipient of the Best Green Initiative Award, rewarding the company’s overall actions. The award was handed out during the annual MetroRail conference, held in London, England, at which were gathered some forty public transit companies from around the world,” concluded the visibly proud Chairman of the Board.

SUSTAINABILITY REPORT
The STM identifies its environmental actions in an annual report available at http://www.stm.info/English/en-bref/a-rdd2010.pdf

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