New York By

Amtrak
Sustainability
Initiatives
Amtrak implements practices to
conserve natural resources and
reduce waste, while connecting
31.6 million passengers to more
than 500 destinations.
PHOTO: © MATT DONNELLY
At Amtrak, we are dedicated to operating as a sustainable
business. We also contribute to the country’s long-term
sustainability by providing an energy efficient mode of
transportation. Every time you choose Amtrak to get to
your destination, you create a smaller environmental
impact, because rail travel is a more energy efficient
mode of transportation than travel by air or car on a per-passengermile
basis.
Committed to Corporate Sustainability
Amtrak put its first Sustainability Policy in place in July 2013. However,
our sustainability journey started more than ten years ago as a charter
member of the Chicago Climate Exchange (CCX), when we committed
to reducing emissions from locomotive diesel fuel by 6% between 2003
and 2010 (baseline usage between 1998 and 2001). We exceeded this
goal, and since then have made several other external sustainability
commitments and pledges.
In 2009, Amtrak signed onto the American Public Transportation
Association Sustainability Commitment, establishing a baseline inventory
of various sustainability parameters such as greenhouse gas (GHG)
emissions, water and energy usage. Amtrak achieved the Bronze level of
this Commitment in 2013 by completing a sustainability inventory,
implementing green initiatives and setting goals for reducing fuel use in
locomotives and electricity at facilities.
Also in 2013, Amtrak began reporting through the Carbon Disclosure
Project (CDP), a program that gathers data on GHG emissions and climate
change initiatives from corporations globally on an annual basis. CDP
scores submissions on transparency as well as performance in these areas.
The scores for Amtrak have increased each year over the past three years
of reporting! In addition, Amtrak became a signatory to the UIC’s Railway
Climate Responsibility Pledge, which is a public demonstration of the
company’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and integrating
sustainability into its corporate goals and business practices.
What Can You Do?
In addition to its large-scale corporate efforts, Amtrak makes an impact
through smaller-scale initiatives. As a passenger, you can help Amtrak—
and the environment—in several ways:
1. Reduce the carbon footprint of your rail travel by purchasing
carbon offsets through Amtrak’s partnership with the non-profit
Carbonfund.org. Your donations support projects such as certified
sustainable reforestation and alternative energy projects. See Carbonfund
options below.
2. When you purchase your Amtrak eTicket, it’s not necessary to
print it out. Save paper simply by presenting your eTicket barcode to
the Conductor using your smartphone.
3. Utilize the built-in recycling containers for plastic and glass
bottles and aluminum cans in the café and lounge cars. Your newspapers,
magazines, and other paper can be recycled in the containers
available in most stations.
Did You Know?
Amtrak’s food and beverage services strive for
sustainability! All printed materials use
soy-based inks and are made of recycled
paper, including napkins, cups and hot
beverage sleeves, and carryout trays.
Amtrak’s mechanical and engineering facilities recycle steel
parts, scrap metal, batteries, used oil and more. In one year alone,
Amtrak recycled more than 9,800 tons of steel parts and scrap, 90
tons of wire, 225,000 gallons of used oil, and 300,000 pounds of
paper!
RAIL TRAVEL IS 12 PERCENT MORE EFFICIENT THAN AIR TRAVEL
AND 33 PERCENT MORE EFFICIENT THAN TRAVEL BY CAR, IN TERMS
OF ENERGY [ BTUS/PASSENGER MILE].
Source: US Department of Energy Transportation Energy Data Book (2015)
Amtrak.com
New York By Rail | 19