Amtrak’s Net-Zero Strategy
Amtrak’s Net-Zero Strategy
Climate change is a global crisis requiring bold collective action to curb emissions and mitigate irreversible environmental and societal damage. The effects of climate change include extreme weather events of increasing frequency and severity, which are negatively impacting Amtrak services and operations, while threatening the communities we live in and serve. To address this urgent issue and align with existing international and U.S. climate goals, immediate and long-term emission reductions are needed from every aspect of the company, including our equipment, infrastructure, and purchasing decisions.
Even today, Amtrak is one of the most sustainable ways of travel, being 46% more energy efficient than traveling by car and 34% more energy efficient than domestic air travel. To further strengthen our role as a provider in sustainable transportation, we are proud to announce that Amtrak is setting a target of net-zero emissions by 2045, as part of an overall Climate Commitment, across the National Network and all business functions. Our Climate Commitment defines the direction we must take to achieve substantial emissions reduction and invest in innovative solutions for the challenge ahead of us. Net-zero emissions can only be accomplished within the framework of a climate resilient Amtrak and integrating sustainability into all facets of our business.
Achieving this target will rely on transformational changes to our operations, including our equipment, and transitioning to zero-emissions energy sources. To guide our direction, the Net-Zero Strategy includes near and longer-term activities (summarized below), to position Amtrak as the cleanest intercity transportation solution.
Amtrak's Net-Zero Strategy
Use Renewable Diesel to Reduce Emissions
See How It Works
Collaborate on Innovation in Alternative Powertrains
Learn More
Source 100% Carbon-Free Electricity by 2030
Get The Details
Integrate Resilient Solutions Across the Company
Read Overview
Use Renewable Diesel to Reduce Emissions
In the short-term, we will start using renewable diesel, where feasible, to reduce emissions from the life-cycle use of diesel. Renewable diesel is chemically equivalent to conventional diesel but is sourced from renewable feedstocks, such as agricultural wastes and plant-based oils.
Use Renewable Diesel to Reduce Emissions
In the short-term, we will start using renewable diesel, where feasible, to reduce emissions from the life-cycle use of diesel. Renewable diesel is chemically equivalent to conventional diesel but is sourced from renewable feedstocks, such as agricultural wastes and plant-based oils.
Collaborate on Innovation in Alternative Powertrains
We will partner with the industry to develop and pilot zero-emissions (ZE) rail solutions for our locomotives.
Collaborate on Innovation in Alternative Powertrains
We will partner with the industry to develop and pilot zero-emissions (ZE) rail solutions for our locomotives.
Source 100% Carbon-Free Electricity by 2030
As of today, approximately 50% of Amtrak’s electricity demand is covered by carbon-free sources. We will gradually increase the share of carbon-free electricity for our electrified routes and buildings through market-based purchasing options supported by on-site power generation to 100% by 2030.
Source 100% Carbon-Free Electricity by 2030
As of today, approximately 50% of Amtrak’s electricity demand is covered by carbon-free sources. We will gradually increase the share of carbon-free electricity for our electrified routes and buildings through market-based purchasing options supported by on-site power generation to 100% by 2030.
Integrate Resilient Solutions Across the Company
Parallel to our Net-Zero Strategy is Amtrak’s ongoing climate resilience work. While we reduce our contribution to global emissions, we strive to protect our assets, service, and business in the face of a rapidly changing climate. Our near-term work includes conducting a National Network climate vulnerability assessment and building on the strategies identified for integrating resilience into business processes. This work will continue to evolve as we employ new solutions and gain deeper insights.
Integrate Resilient Solutions Across the Company
Parallel to our Net-Zero Strategy is Amtrak’s ongoing climate resilience work. While we reduce our contribution to global emissions, we strive to protect our assets, service, and business in the face of a rapidly changing climate. Our near-term work includes conducting a National Network climate vulnerability assessment and building on the strategies identified for integrating resilience into business processes. This work will continue to evolve as we employ new solutions and gain deeper insights.
Amtrak’s Major Emission Reduction Categories
Vehicles
Fuel use is Amtrak’s second highest operating expense and accounts for 68% of emissions from owned or operated equipment. Amtrak will partner and collaborate with experts in the industry to innovate and pilot zero-emissions technologies to power our locomotives.
An interim step to decarbonizing our operations is the use of alternative drop-in fuels in place of conventional diesel. Renewable diesel is chemically equivalent to conventional diesel but is sourced from renewable feedstocks, such as agricultural wastes and plant-based oils. This alternative fuel can reduce life-cycle emissions by about 63%.
Amtrak’s Major Emission Reduction Categories
Infrastructure
Amtrak aims to source 100% carbon-free electricity by 2030 and is already deriving over 50% of its power from green sources through power purchase agreements. Additionally, Amtrak will conduct a renewable energy feasibility assessment for on-site generation and development partnerships.
We will also explore solutions to enhance building efficiency, integrate electric vehicle charging stations into our stations and employee hubs, and switch to heating from emission-free sources.
Amtrak’s Major Emission Reduction Categories
Supply Chain & Business Operations
Dedicated to fully understanding our impact and accounting for our entire carbon footprint, we will evaluate and reduce emissions in our supply chain. These emissions come from indirect sources not owned or operated by Amtrak but under our influence through partnerships and market power.
Targeting emissions in our entire footprint, we will embed sustainability and climate considerations into our operating practices and business agreements.
FY23 Sustainability Report
This is Amtrak’s tenth Sustainability Report, covering environmental, social and governance (ESG) activities during the last year. We produced this report with reference to the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) 2023 Standards.
FY23 Sustainability Report
This is Amtrak’s tenth Sustainability Report, covering environmental, social and governance (ESG) activities during the last year. We produced this report with reference to the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) 2023 Standards.
Amtrak Guest Rewards
Forgot Password?
Passwords are case sensitive, should be at least 10 characters long and should include 1 uppercase and 1 lowercase alpha character, 1 number and 1 special character. ! " # $ % & ' ( ) * + , - . / : ; < = > ? @ [ \ ] ^ _ ` < | > ~
Enter the email address or member number associated with your account. We will send password reset instructions.
An email with password reset instructions is on the way.
That answer wasn’t correct either. We’ve sent you an email with instructions to reset your password instead.
