Sustainability and Resiliency at the MBTA

Aerial view of the T's solar canopy covering a parking lot in West Hingham.

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.

View an overview of the MBTA's climate change program

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

Environmental Business Council of New England (EBC)

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.

Learn more about the MBTA’s renewable energy contracts

Bond Buyer Recognition

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.

American Public Transportation Association (APTA)

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.

Leading by Example Award

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%.

Learn more about the Leading by Example program

Sustainability and Resiliency Programs

To learn more about the MBTA’s efforts towards environmental sustainability and resiliency, take a look at our programs below.

Greening the Fleet: Decarbonizing the MBTA

Reduce our energy consumption and GHG emissions with new, more efficient vehicles.

Climate Change Resiliency

Mitigate the risks of climate change and invest in a more sustainable transit system.

Energy Management

Reduce our annual carbon footprint and reliance on fossil fuels by investing in energy efficiency and renewable energy.

Sustainable Design

Preserve history and the environment by using sustainable building practices and materials.

Natural Resource Protection

Protect our natural resources and reducing pollutants in our air, land, and water.

Waste Management

Reduce our environmental impact with system-wide recycling and responsible waste management programs.

Sustainability Bonds

Issue sustainability bonds to finance projects that have clear environmental, social, and economic benefits.

Vegetation Management

Perform routine and emergency vegetation management to ensure rail safety.

Building a Better T

As part of our $9.6 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.

Learn more