A clean sweep for Auckland Transport At Awards

Auckland Transport Media Release

8th June 2011

A clean sweep for Auckland Transport at environmental and sustainability awards.

Two Auckland Transport projects have received top awards at the Arthur Mead Environmental and Sustainability Awards.

‘Clean Environment through Innovative Road Contaminant Management’, submitted by Veenay Rambisheswar, was the overall winner of the small projects category. ‘Albany Lakes Precinct- Integrated Asset Management Strategy’, submitted by Siri Rangamuwa, came second with a merit, making a clean sweep at the awards for Auckland Transport. Both projects were joint submissions with consultants.

The two submissions, put forward by the Asset Management and Programming team, made up a shortlist of three at the ceremony held at the annual IPENZ conference.

Mr Rambisheswar says the project involves the installation of ‘traps’ inside roadside drains which are designed to filter out rubbish and other contaminants that run off the roads. “This effectively means cleaner water in Auckland’s harbours, streams and the estuary with obvious benefits for marine life.”

“The project has raised awareness about the importance of protecting our environment and improving water quality in Auckland. The award lifts Auckland Transport’s profile as an innovative new organisation with high standards. It’s about pushing the envelope and getting more out of our existing assets.”

David Warburton, Chief Executive of Auckland Transport said: “We are extremely pleased that Auckland Transport’s commitment to the environment and sustainability has been recognised through these two outstanding projects.

“On behalf of the whole of Auckland Transport I would like to congratulate Veenay and Siri for their efforts and to the Asset Management and Programming team as a whole for their efforts in contributing to making Auckland a more sustainable and environmentally friendly city.”

The Arthur Mead Environmental Award, small projects category (under $1,000,000), is given to an Auckland branch member of The Institution of Professional Engineers New Zealand (IPENZ) whose submission for a predominantly engineering work best exemplifies care for, and consideration of, environmental values.

The award is in the form of a metal plaque and will be mounted near the central entry point of Auckland Transport building in Henderson.

About Auckland Transport

Auckland Transport is a Council Controlled Organisation (CCO) of Auckland Council. It is responsible for all of the region’s transport services (excluding state highways) - from roads and footpaths, to cycling, parking and public transport.

Among its main tasks are:

To design, build and maintain Auckland’s roads, ferry wharves, cycleways and walkways.

Co-ordinate road safety and community transport initiatives such as school travel

Plan and fund bus, train and ferry services across Auckland.

For more information go to www.aucklandtransport.govt.nz.

-ends

© Scoop Media