Environment

At Universal Rail, we understand that protecting the environment is not just a responsibility but a necessity.

Universal Rail is committed to mitigating its environmental impact. That is why we have implemented policies and programs to ensure sustainable practices are incorporated into every aspect of our operations.

Aerial view of a large rail yard with multiple parallel train tracks, several parked train cars, and surrounding open fields where railroad contractors perform regular railroad maintenance under a clear sky.

Aerial view of a large industrial plant surrounded by autumn-colored trees and forest, with multiple buildings, storage tanks, tall chimneys, and roads stretching into the distance, highlighting nearby railroad construction under a partly cloudy sky.

Our Policies

Our environmental policy framework covers six broad categories:

Waste Management
Hazardous Waste
Procuring Green-Certified products
Water Conservation
Energy Conservation and Healthy Interior Environments
Education

Our Practices

Our team ensures that we minimize any risks to the environment by:

Identifying, preventing, or mitigating adverse impacts
Meeting environmental compliance obligations
Continuously improving our environmental performance
Adopting a ‘life-cycle’ approach in controlling the way our products and services are designed, manufactured, distributed, consumed, and disposed of

These practices not only ensure that we comply with all applicable Federal, Provincial, and local government requirements but also allow us to achieve sustainable financial and operational benefits resulting from the implementation of environmentally sound choices.

Aerial view of a construction site with vehicles and equipment working on a long, straight railroad, possibly built by railroad contractors, surrounded by dirt roads, patches of grass, and water puddles.

Sustainability Initiatives

Ecovadis

Universal Rail has achieved the Committed status with Ecovadis. Ecovadis is a global leader in sustainability evaluations. With over 100,000 companies across all industries evaluated, this achievement highlights

Universal Rail’s commitment to promoting sustainability in our organization. Ecovadis evaluates companies on 21 criteria focusing on four key elements – environment, labour and human rights, ethics, and procurement standards. Ecovadis sustainability evaluations are performed annually.

Green Economy

Universal Rail works with Green Economy Canada. We draw from the experience of Green Economy’s national network to raise awareness of the barriers in making the net-zero transition and to advance and accelerate business sustainability efforts. This allows us to take a structured and measurable approach toward continuous improvement of key environmental targets.

At Universal Rail, we are committed to taking action to create a more sustainable future. We understand the importance of transitioning towards a net-zero economy and are proud to have partnered with Green Economy Canada.