Climate Change Data

Knoxville Area Transit (KAT)

Climate Impact & Sustainability Data (2023)

Reporting Period: 2023

Environmental Metrics

Total Carbon Emissions:9490 MT CO2e (2015); Target 412 MT CO2e (2050)
Renewable Energy Share:Target ~12% of baseline annual energy use from solar
Total Energy Consumption:645 MMBtu (baseline annual energy use)

ESG Focus Areas

  • Climate Change
  • Air Quality

Environmental Achievements

  • Received the Outstanding Public Transit System Award from APTA (American Public Transportation Association)
  • Introduced 12 all-electric buses into transit fleet
  • Introduced the first hybrid buses into transit fleet
  • Established Knoxville's first LEED-certified government building

Social Achievements

  • Improved trolley signage and shelters
  • Released the KAT Bus Stop Improvement Plan
  • Equipped all vehicles with Wi-Fi access
  • KAT Reimagined Study: a system-wide examination of KAT’s network, balancing the areas covered with services provided to make the system work effectively for as many people as possible. 70% of resources focused on ridership goals and 30% on coverage goals.

Governance Achievements

  • Participated in Mayor Indya Kincannon's Climate Council
  • Developed a decarbonization plan in collaboration with the City of Knoxville's Office of Sustainability

Climate Goals & Targets

Long-term Goals:
  • 100% Net-Zero by 2050 (from 2015 levels)
Medium-term Goals:
  • 40% Reduction in GHG emissions by 2040 (from 2015 levels)

Environmental Challenges

  • Increased transportation emissions due to economic growth and population increase in Knoxville.
  • Transportation emissions making up approximately 59% of Knoxville’s community emissions profile.
Mitigation Strategies
  • Developed a decarbonization plan with GHG emission reduction goals and strategies to improve air quality.
  • Implementation of strategies to electrify the fleet, improve energy efficiency, and increase renewable energy use.

Supply Chain Management

Responsible Procurement
  • Procurement plans for replacement rolling stock and new equipment aligned with GHG emission reduction goals

Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities

Awards & Recognition

  • Outstanding Public Transit System Award from APTA
  • "Shining Star" award from the Federal Transit Administration