Sustainability and Resiliency at the MBTA
The MBTA plays an important role in reducing emissions in Massachusetts—we provide a transit system that meets the needs of the 21st century, helps people get out of their cars, and supports good land use in Greater Boston.
The MBTA's Environmental Management Sustainability Policy lays out the guiding principles to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and other air quality impacts, and diligently maintain and exceed environmental compliance at our facilities. We carefully manage our activities to ensure that we don’t adversely affect the environment, the communities in which we operate, or our employees.
To meet the transportation needs of our region, the MBTA uses many forms of energy: electricity, steam, diesel, natural gas, and other carbon-based fuels. We seek to reduce our carbon footprint and our impact on the environment whenever possible.
As of January 2021, 100% of the MBTA’s system is powered by certified renewable electricity. Additionally, we have on-site energy generation via wind turbines and solar arrays.
Our climate change strategies are designed to mitigate the impact of GHGs and adapt to the effects of a changing climate by building a resilient system.
The MBTA aims for environmental sustainability when building projects and operating our system. Our efforts include waste and water management, natural resource conservation, historic preservation, and other ways to protect the environment and the communities we serve.
More information on these sustainability and resiliency programs can be found below.
Partnerships and Recognition
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Environmental Business Council of New England (EBC)
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In 2021, the MBTA received the EBC Award for Climate Change Project of the Year from the Environmental Business Council of New England (EBC). The MBTA was awarded this honor in recognition of its conversion to 100% renewable electricity, effective January 1, 2021.
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Bond Buyer Recognition
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In 2017, the MBTA's first sustainability bond issuance was recognized as The Bond Buyer's 2017 Northeast Regional Deal of the Year and was a finalist for the National Deal of the Year. Proceeds from MBTA sustainability bonds are used to finance projects with clear environmental, social, and economic benefits.
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American Public Transportation Association (APTA)
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In 2015, the MBTA was awarded the Gold Level Recognition as part of the APTA Sustainability Commitment Pledge, which sets standards for environmental preservation, social responsibility, economic viability of the system, and overall quality of life for commuters.
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Leading by Example Award
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In 2014, the MBTA was recognized by the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs and the Executive Office for Administration and Finance for its outstanding effort to implement policies and programs that have decreased energy consumption per passenger trip by 12.9%.
Sustainability and Resiliency Programs
To learn more about the MBTA’s efforts towards environmental sustainability and resiliency, take a look at our programs below.
Building a Better T
As part of our $8 billion, 5-year capital investment plan, we're renovating stations, modernizing fare collection systems, upgrading services for our buses, subways, and ferries, and improving the accessibility of the entire system.
Sustainability Report
To learn more about our efforts to build a more sustainable future, read the 2017 Sustainability Report.
Share Your Ideas
If you have ideas or suggestions for making the MBTA more environmentally sustainable, please email environmental@mbta.com or call 617-222-4376.
Building a Better T
As part of our $8 billion, 5-year capital investment plan, we're renovating stations, modernizing fare collection systems, upgrading services for our buses, subways, and ferries, and improving the accessibility of the entire system.
Sustainability Report
To learn more about our efforts to build a more sustainable future, read the 2017 Sustainability Report.
Share Your Ideas
If you have ideas or suggestions for making the MBTA more environmentally sustainable, please email environmental@mbta.com or call 617-222-4376.