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.

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.

Sustainability and Resiliency Programs

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