Sustainable Rest Areas Design and Operations

The research project focused on the evaluation of Colorado Department of Transportation's rest areas related to sustainable design and operations. A sustainability assessment was performed on six selected rest areas focusing on sustainable design and operations. Sustainable rest area assessment and scoring criteria developed by the TerraLogic and Colorado State University-Pueblo Team used a checklist approach that involved the following criteria: existing site conditions, materials recycling and reuse, existing environment, air quality, water quality/usage, energy, and public/motorist/trucking outreach and services. Rest area carbon footprints were calculated and carbon reduction strategies developed primarily for long-term idling trucks. Cost-effective sustainable recommendations were provided that focused on efficient use of water resources, solid waste management, and energy efficiency. Recommendations included native landscaping, reductions in lawn irrigation, material recycling, water saving faucets, lighting motion detectors, and LED lighting. Research identified the potential of using public private partnerships to support funding innovative rest area operations.