Amtrak released this week its fiscal year 2018 Sustainability Report measuring company performance of year-over-year sustainability goals.
“Sustainability is becoming a consistent component in Amtrak’s projects, operations, and strategic plans, which is quickly positioning the company toward being an industry leader,” Amtrak President and CEO Richard Anderson said. “This report reflects how we incorporate environmental, financial, and social sustainability considerations into our decision-making processes.”
The report is part of a communication strategy designed to deliver sustainability content across Amtrak’s various platforms.
Amtrak’s successes and achievements included saving $2 million in energy costs through smart resource management, reducing greenhouse gas emissions 17 percent over Amtrak’s 2010 baseline, investing $52 million in stations upgrades for greater accessibility and mobility, and recycling 194 tons of material.
Amtrak is collaborating with People for Urban Progress which has helped Amtrak reach its 20 percent recycling rate goal by 2020. The collaboration diverts waste at the end of its useful life and has resulted in more than 1 ton of Acela leather being processed.
Amtrak is also collaborating with No Kings Collective to create a large-scale customized mural and to work with Amtrak’s social media channels to emphasize the importance of sustainability. The collaboration emphasized Amtrak’s goal of contracting up to 10 percent of total annual spending with diverse suppliers.