COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
GREENDOT OFFICE
DATE:
Wednesday, August 27, 2014
2-3 pm
SUBJECT:
GreenDOT Advisory Group- Sustainable DOT/Leading by Example
Working Group Meeting Summary
Agenda

Welcome and Introductions
In attendance: Kevin Walsh (MassDOT Highway), Eric Friedman (DOER), Donald Pettey
(MassDOT Highway), Tim Lasker (MBTA), Ned Codd, (GreenDOT), William Hurton (MassDOT
Highway), Jules Williams (GreenDOT), Jillian DiMedio (DOER), Katherine Knapp
(GreenDOT),Shannon Greenwell (GreenDOT- working group lead), and Brenda Enos (Massport)
via telephone

Update on GreenDOT implementation
GreenDOT staff reworked the Implementation Plan document into a series of Excel matrices that
were distributed to the MassDOT divisions. As a follow-up, GreenDOT staff have been meeting
with all of the divisions and Shared Service units to gain a better understanding of the status of
indicators, methods for tracking data and appropriate measures. The information from the matrices
will be used to write the 2014 GreenDOT Report, scheduled to be published by mid-December. It
will be available online on the GreenDOT website.
GreenDOT staff has also mobilized the working groups, of which there are four, to engage
MassDOT divisions and outside stakeholders in the work being done by the GreenDOT Office.
GreenDOT staff gave a brief update of the work that has already been done by the MBTA and
Highway Division in implementing the GreenDOT policy. A more robust update will be presented at
the Advisory Group meeting scheduled for Sept. 18, 2014.

Role of the Sustainable DOT/Leading by Example Working Group
There was interest amongst participants in having this working group serve as an internal working
group, as it is composed of members of state government. Participants agreed that the working
group would engage in the following activities:
o
Identification of key issues and challenges (i.e. policies, funding, metrics) faced by
MassDOT divisions.
o
Identification of current data sources, tracking and measurement.

o
Development of consistant measures and policies for collecting data as well as the
exchange of successful models.
o
Prioritization of goals and indicators, allowing the group to focus on successful completion
of the most importation tasks and projects.
o
Encouragement of leveraging a wider pool of resources and expertise.
o
Advancement of internal buy-in and support for the GreenDOT policy and Implementation
Plan.
Discussion of best practices and innovations in sustainability relevant to a state DOT
While there was discussion of the sustainable business practices the divisions and organizations
were implementing, the group focused on discussing the general purpose of the working group and
what members wanted to discuss and accomplish in future meetings. It was agreed that each
meeting will have a discussion topic that will be selected ahead of time. The following is a
preliminary list of topics that came out of the meeting:
o
o
o
o
o
o
o

How do we measure indicators? Agree on and distribute information about measuring
indicators- create a coordinated approach about managing in-house tracking and reporting
systems across all divisions and groups.
How do we prioritize projects and programs? Evaluate the actions we are taking/can take in
the future to ensure we are using the most efficient and effective methods for achieving the
goals in the GreenDOT Implementation Plan. Prioritize indicators in the GreenDOT
Implementation Plan, elevating those that give us the most ‘bang for the buck.’
How do we find financial resources to back our projects/programs? Discuss opportunities
and methods for funding projects and programs necessary to achieve GreenDOT
Implementation Plan goals. Discuss funding gaps and weaknesses.
How do we build support for GreenDOT? Discuss the ways we can market GreenDOT
activities, generate positive PR, and build internal support. Find success stories and ways
to share them.
What data are we tracking? Find out what data the divisions are tracking currently and
discuss tracking systems.
What is the status of our fleet? Inventory each division’s fleet, its fuel consumption, and
discuss tracking systems. Discuss challenges each division faces.
How much energy are we using? Discuss the MassEnergyInsight tool.
Key points to report back to Advisory Group
o
o
Due to the composition of the group, the Sustainable DOT/Leading by Example working
group will function as an internal working group focused on specific tasks relevant to
improving the interal operations of MassDOT.
The group will meet once every four weeks to work through a list of topics that was compiled
by the group members.
o
GreenDOT staff will take this opportunity to showcase some of the work that has already
been done by MassDOT divisions and the MBTA to reach the goals of the GreenDOT
Implementation Plan.