April 22, 2013
Reduce Your Greenhouse Gas Emissions by Riding the MTA
Each Trip on a Train or a Bus Prevents Emission of 10 Pounds of Carbon Dioxide Equivalent, On Average
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) today announced that its operations reduced the carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions of the region by 17.1 million metric tons in 2011. With 8.5 million riders per average weekday, that means each trip on a train or bus prevents the emission of 10 pounds of greenhouse gases, on average, compared with making that trip by car.
“Each and every time you make the decision to step onto a train or bus, you are helping to prevent climate change and secure a sustainable future for the next generation,” said Thomas F. Prendergast, the MTA Interim Executive Director. “Riding the train or the bus is something to feel good about.”
Different trips conserve different amounts of greenhouse gases. Electric-powered trains produce lower emissions than diesel-powered buses; and the longer the trip and the more congestion one would encounter by driving, the greater the carbon savings. Here are samples of the carbon avoidance of specific MTA trips.
• A 27-mile trip from Tarrytown to Grand Central Terminal on Metro-North Railroad prevents emission of 19.7 pounds of carbon dioxide/equivalent (CO2e).
• A 25-mile trip from Bensonhurst to the Bronx Zoo on the New York City Subway prevents emission of 21.9 pounds of CO2e.
• An 8.3-mile trip from West 106th Street to LaGuardia Airport on the M60 bus prevents emission of 3.3 pounds of CO2e.
Four videos of children speaking about the importance of protecting the environment by using public transportation can be found here:
• Subway: http://youtu.be/_QSb2ukDkBU
• Bus: http://youtu.be/lkj3edPvmZE
• Long Island Rail Road: http://youtu.be/Yjn0IsiJ5oo
• Metro-North Railroad: http://youtu.be/XThj8nIOf5Q
The MTA determines its greenhouse gas emissions using a protocol established by The Climate Registry, a non-profit organization that measures the carbon footprints of companies and government bodies. The figures are fully audited by an independent greenhouse gas verifier, LRQA Americas Sustainability, Inc. Estimates of avoided greenhouse gas emissions are developed following guidance from the American Public Transportation Association.
The MTA carefully quantifies its greenhouse gas emissions for all its facilities, vehicles, and operations, and factors those numbers into its per-trip carbon savings calculations. In 2011, the MTA released a total of 2.09 million metric tons of CO2 equivalent through its operations, which is 103,647 fewer metric tons than the prior year. Nearly 80% of the MTA’s greenhouse gas emissions result from generating the electricity that powers subways and commuter trains, as well as burning fuel – largely compressed natural gas and ultra-low sulfur diesel – in buses and diesel commuter trains. Only 20% of the emissions come from “behind-the-scenes” operations, like maintenance facilities or offices.
About The Climate Registry
The Climate Registry is a non-profit organization that operates the only carbon footprint registry in North America supported by states, provinces, territories and tribes. The Climate Registry helps hundreds of public and private organizations measure, report and reduce their greenhouse gas emissions with integrity.
For more information, please visit www.theclimateregistry.org
About LRQA Americas Sustainability, Inc.
LRQA Americas Sustainability, Inc., is one of the longest-standing accredited greenhouse gas verification bodies in the United States and one of the first to attain American National Standards Institute (ANSI) accreditation under ISO 14065 for The Climate Registry. For over a decade, the company has worked with clients across North America to manage complex environmental issues, such as climate action planning, preparing carbon footprints and reporting greenhouse gas emissions. LRQA Americas Sustainability is a part of the global LRQA brand and a member of the Lloyd's Register Group of entities. Operating in over 120 countries, LRQA is a leading global independent provider of Business Assurance services including certification, validation, verification and training.
For more information, please visit http://www.lrqasustainability.us