The American Council of Engineering Companies of Pennsylvania honored Red Rose Transit Authority (RRTA) in Lancaster, PA, and engineering firm Camp, Dresser & McKee Inc. (CDM), for the design and sustainable technologies included in the 2010 renovation of the agency’s operations center. CDM designed the updated elements, which include a geothermal heating system, solar panels, and a green roof.

CDM received a Diamond Award Certificate for Engineering Excellence under the Modern Renovations category for its work on the project. The competition recognizes Pennsylvania engineering firms and their clients for their outstanding contributions that enhance the state’s social and economic welfare.

Because of the upgraded sustainable technologies and their energy efficiency, RRTA reported approximately $43,000 savings in annual utility/operating expenses—a 55 percent energy reduction in the first year.

The overhaul of the facility also included installation of two waste oil burners to recycle discarded engine oil from the buses to heat and cool the bus storage building, as well as sustainable interior finishes such as skylights and energy-efficient lighting to reduce lighting needs. Other components of the project included expansion and reorganization of the administrative offices, addition of a larger upper-level mezzanine in the maintenance area, and expansion of the bus storage building.

The renovation project received $4.7 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds and a $2.45 million federal Transit Investment Greenhouse Gas and Energy Reduction grant.

RRTA’s renovated operations center received a state award recognizing its green elements, including solar panels and a geothermal heating system.