Sustainability Assistant Director
(01.16.2016)
This Week's Items of Interest
January 20, 2016
Planet - Caltrans - Environmental
DOT's Environmental Policies Include Education and Action 
(01.15.2016)

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) Climate Action program aims toward awareness, actions and setting its own standard. They are making notable strides to reduce emission throughout California's vast Transportation System.
Caltrans Sustainability Survey  

California has a comprehensive program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and prepare for the effects of climate change. This symposium is designed to assist you in continuing the momentum we are making. Our speakers will discuss the science behind the causes of climate change and examine some of the evidence of how the climate is changing. They will conclude with a discussion on what is expected for the future under different scenarios.
The Caltrans Sustainability Program is hosting an event to educate and discuss the science of climate change. The event is scheduled for January 29, 2016, between 10:00 am and 12:00 pm. Those interested can attend in person or watch the live webcast. The recorded webcast will be posted afterwards.
In preparation for this discussion we ask that you complete this quick survey to help identify the areas you are most interested in or where more discussion is needed, to understand Caltrans' role. The results will help create the narrative for the symposium. 
People - Bike - Innovation
Self-Filling Water Bottle Converts Humid Air into Drinkable H2O
(01.19.2016)

Kristof Retezár, a designer based in Vienna, invented a device that can extract  humidity  from the air and condense it into drinkable water. The handy gadget, dubbed Fontus, can be attached to a bike so that cyclists can generate water during long-distance rides through the countryside, where pit stops may be few and far between.
Planet - Recycled Materials - Asphalt
Steady Increase in Sustainability of Asphalt Pavements 
( 01.18.2016 )

Nationwide, asphalt pavement mix producers continue to improve the sustainability profile of America's roads through the incorporation of recycled materials and the use of energy-saving warm-mix asphalt technologies.
Sustainability Event - Caltrans Live and Webcast
Climate Change 101, Understanding the Science and Effects   
(01.29.2016)


                             
Planet - Livability - Climate Change
2015 is Earth's warmest year by widest margin on record  (01.19.2016)

The globally averaged temperature over land and ocean surfaces for 2015 was the highest among all years since record keeping began in 1880. During the final month, the December combined global land and ocean average surface temperature was the highest on record for any month in the 136-year record.
Prosperity - Innovation - Funding
Fiscal 2017 Budget Proposal Includes $4B for Automated Vehicles  
(01.14.2016)
Today, Secretary of Transportation Anthony Foxx announced President Obama has included a proposed $4 billion investment in his fiscal 2017 budget to accelerate the development and adoption of driverless car technology through a series of real-world pilot programs hosted over 10 years. 

In addition, the Department of Transportation is working on removing roadblocks that inhibit the technology, which Foxx said could improve safety, mobility and sustainability. The pilots will also include connected vehicle tests.
People - Innovation - Quiz
What's your innovation language? (01.15.2016)
You're an innovator in your field, but are you in the ideal environment for success? Different innovative skills are valued more in different countries, as the GE Global Innovation Barometer shows. Take this quiz to find out whether your innovative talents would thrive more in Paris, Tokyo or a different innovation hub.
Previous Editions: Sustainability Items of Interest
08/27/15
 09/02/15
 09/09/15
 09/16/15
 09/23/15 09/30/15
10/07/15 10/13/15 10/20/28 10/28/15 11/04/15 11/12/15 11/18/15


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Assistant Director of Sustainability

Any reference, information, articles,or photos contained in this email to a specific product, process, or service does not constitute or imply an endorsement by Caltrans, State of California or its' employees.