Green Star

Long-Time Green Star Awardee + Additional Air Quality Award

The Alaska Railroad Corporation (ARRC) is one of Alaska's earliers participants in the Green Star program. ARRC originally earned a Green Star Award in 1993, having made strides in new areas of waste reduction, recycling, pollution prevention and energy conservation. ARRC’s dedicated Waste Management Office reduced hazardous waste streams by 70% between 2001 and 2007. And, the recently-formed Facilities Department has focused more expertise and resources on preventing building energy loss and on installing greener systems as old building systems need to be replaced.

Along with Green Star recertification in 2007, ARRC also earned a Green Star Air Quality Award. Over the past few years, the Railroad has dramatically reduced locomotive emissions by purchasing new and more efficient locomotives, installing engine idle-reduction systems, implementing idle-reduction policies, and maintaining locomotive engines in peak condition. The railroad switched to ultra low sulfer diesel fuel years before U.S. Environmental Protection Agency mandates. ARRC has also made commuter rail service more feasible by conducting regional commuter rail studies, straightening tracks, building and improving depots, and providing technical guidance to commuter rail advocates.

Green Star is a non-profit organization that encourages businesses to practice waste reduction, nergy conservation and pollution prevention. After meeting specific standards, businesses and other organizations are eligible to earn a Green Star Award for general waste reduction, and/or A Green Star Air Quality Award, for reduced air pollution. For more information, visit: Green Star