Sunset Park Material Recovery Facility - Evaluation of Sustainable Infrastructure

Background. This research paper evaluates the sustainable construction and operations plans of New York City’ Sunset Park Material Recovery Facility; a recyclable waste sorting facility planned to open in Brooklyn around the close of 2013. Specifically reviewed are the impacts on the environment, society, and the economy that the project hopes to achieve.

Methodology. In order to conduct this informal study, the report looks to assess one of the most prominent sustainable features highlighted in PlaNYC’s dissemination literature; the planned reduction in sanitation refuse truck vehicle miles traveled (“VMT”) due to the plant’s waterfront location. The use of barges to supplant truck hauling of waste is evaluated by quantifying (1) the total emissions caused over the life cycle of the trucks that are being taken off the road, and (2) the op