Lack Of Funding Blocks Amtrak's Sustainability Path
Published: 19 August 2010
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7 pages, 3 figures
Executive Summary
This case study is one in a series of Verdantix reports that analyses corporate climate change and sustainability strategies. Amtrak, or the National Railroad Passenger Corporation, was founded in 1971 and has 20,000 employees. The United States’ sole intercity passenger railroad company is owned in majority by the US Federal Government and is funded through the Department for Transportation. In 2009, Amtrak delivered revenues of $2.35 billion and incurred expenses of $3.51 billion. Climate change poses opportunities for the firm to market trains as a sustainable form of transport. Investment in pragmatic technical upgrades is central to its sustainable business strategy along with the deployment of small-scale initiatives. Lack of funding ultimately prevents Amtrak from implementing large-scale efficiencies throughout its operations, a move which would generate additional revenue.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
AMTRAK HELD BACK FROM PLAYING A BIG ROLE IN US SUSTAINABILITY
Amtrak’s Pragmatic Strategy Features Forward-Thinking Initiatives
Amtrak’s Initiatives Cover Fuel Efficiency And Cleantech Trial Projects
Amtrak Needs Cleantech Partners For Transformational Change
TABLE OF FIGURES
Figure 1. Amtrak Exceeds Its Emission Reduction Targets From 2003 To 2010
Figure 2. Amtrak’s Expenses Exceeded Revenues By $1 Billion In 2009
Figure 3. Amtrak’s Initiatives Fall Into Operational And Cultural Changes
COMPANIES MENTIONED
American Airlines, American Public Transportation Association, Better Place, Carbonfund.org, Chicago Climate Exchange, Climate Counts, CSX, Eurostar, FedEx, General Motors, Nexus Parking Systems, Railpower Technologies, The Climate Registry