Performance and Initiatives

Reducing emissions

Since 1990, VIA has cut fuel consumption by 25 per cent per passenger-kilometre, and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 15 per cent. VIA has been able to achieve this result while operating more trains and carrying more passengers than in any year since 1990.

Rebuilding VIA’s older locomotives and passenger cars under the capital investment plan will reduce fleet emissions further. New technologies included in rebuilding the F-40 locomotives will ensure that they meet current environmental standards for locomotive emissions. The rebuilt LRC cars will also incorporate environmental enhancements, including new, more efficient heating, cooling, ventilation, lighting and lay-over systems. Together, these modifications will result in an additional nine per cent reduction in fuel consumption and GHG emissions.
 

Reduce, re-use, recycle

Everyone at VIA is encouraged to develop ¨reduce, re-use, recycle¨ strategies in the workplace and on board VIA’s trains. A Green Procurement guide emphasizes the use of environmentally responsible products in all business activities. For example, recycled paper is used for onboard products such as napkins and toilet paper, and for printed materials such as train schedules. Coffee served on trains is 100 per cent fair trade coffee, which supports environmentally sustainable agriculture while improving living conditions in developing countries. Wherever possible, the Corporation recycles materials – from batteries to paper to discarded computer parts. And in recent years, maintenance teams have reduced the use of chemicals for processes such as water treatment and train cleaning by almost 50 per cent.

In 2008, VIA continued to reduce the environmental impact of on board service. For example, more products used on board, such as coffee cups, are made from recycled materials, and fair trade teas are now available. And like many responsible hotels, VIA now offers guests on the four-night journey between Toronto and Vancouver the option of receiving freshly laundered linens on request, rather than every day.