The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) in Philadelphia has announced that its Environmental and Sustainability Management System at Berridge Bus Overhaul Facility and Print Shop in North Philadelphia has achieved ISO 14001:2004 certification.

Over more than two years, SEPTA managers worked with front-line engineering, maintenance, and construction staff to review daily shop activities, products, and services to ensure that they are conducted in a manner that provides environmental, health, and safety benefits to SEPTA employees and contractors. The agency underwent an independent third-party assessment process before receiving the internationally recognized certification.

“This certification demonstrates SEPTA’s commitment to reducing the environmental impact of our heavy industrial practices,” said SEPTA General Manager Joseph M. Casey.

A specific focus of the process was the usage, storage, and disposal of environmentally sensitive materials used during the bus overhaul process. SEPTA rebuilds more  than 150 buses each year, improving the condition of each bus and extending its useful life.

“Our workforce is committed to safe, sustainable practices not only at Berridge, but in every place we operate across the Delaware Valley,” Casey said as he unveiled a special decal that will be placed by the entry doors on each vehicle as it completes the overhaul process at the shop. Passengers will be able to scan the decal with a mobile device to receive more information about ­SEPTA’s sustainability programs.