Traffic Signals Optimization

Vital Statistics

Offsets: 171,786 metric tons carbon dioxide
Equivalent to taking 34,220 cars off the road for a year
Project Type: Transportation Efficiency
Project Lifetime: 5 years
Contract Signing Date: 2002
Location: Oregon
Project Partners: Portland Office of Sustainable Development

Project Description

The Climate Trust has contracted to buy offsets from a City of Portland project that will improve the timing of traffic signals. Over a five year period, the Portland Office of Sustainable Development will work with the Portland Office of Transportation, Washington County, and the Oregon Department of Transportation to improve signal timing on seventeen major metropolitan area arterials. By reducing idling and acceleration, emissions of carbon dioxide from gasoline and diesel fuel will decrease.


How the project reduces CO2

This project helps reduce emissions from vehicles by reducing the amount of time cars spend idling at and accelerating from traffic lights. Improved traffic flow and reduced fuel waste from stop-and-go driving will lead to less carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere.

This project allows for the traffic signal system operators to conduct studies and take specific steps to optimize the flow of traffic on some of Portland’s most congested thoroughfares. This project will also reduce emissions of other tailpipe pollutants.

City program costs are covered through a pay-for-performance contract with The Climate Trust. After the signal timing has been completed, The Climate Trust pays Portland based upon the amount of carbon dioxide emissions that will be avoided. The City of Portland transfers ownership of the carbon dioxide offsets created by these reduced emissions to The Climate Trust.

Non-GHG Benefits
  • Commuters will save time traveling across town
  • Commuters will save on gasoline
  • Other vehicular air pollution will be reduced
  • Serves as a model for other traffic signal offset projects

Additionality Criteria: Why We’re Involved

The Climate Trust’s funding for the traffic signal optimization was critical as the previous government funding sources had been unavailable.


Partners


Back

Offsets make great gifts!

Upcoming Birthday? Wedding? Or any special occasion? Give the gift of a stable climate. Included with your purchase is Greenhouse Gas Offset Certificate that prominently displays the recipients name and the number of tons you bought on their behalf.

Where Your Money Goes

Offset purchases cover direct payments to project owners, sponsors, and developers, as well as maintenance and development of this program. About 92% of all funds received by The Climate Trust goes towards offset programs. Learn more about The Climate Trust's work.
The Climate Trust|65 SW Yamhill Street, Ste. 400|Portland, Oregon 97204|Phone: 503-238-1915|contact
Copyright 2006 The Climate Trust