AMC’s Path to Net Zero: How We’re Leading Climate Action Across the Northeast

At the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC), we pride ourselves on consistently standing at the front lines of conservation. From the forests of Maine to the trails of Virginia, our climate action strategy extends beyond policy. It’s woven into our day-to-day operations and long-term commitments. We’ve set our sights on a powerful goal: achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. 

This mission aligns with AMC’s strategic priority to protect critical landscapes for the well-being of people and the planet—and we’re on track to make it a reality. 

What Does Net Zero Mean?

When it comes to reducing emissions, many organizations will adopt one of two goals: carbon neutrality or net zero emissions. Carbon neutrality is simply about balance. Reaching it means that an organization counteracts any greenhouse gases produced with the amount it removes from the atmosphere. 

To achieve carbon neutrality, many companies purchase carbon credits, a certificate purchased from landowners for carbon stored on their property. In fact, AMC helps other organizations balance their emissions through forest carbon offset projects in the 100-Mile-Wilderness in Maine. These offset projects are embedded within the Maine Woods Initiative, our recreation and land conservation project protecting more than 114,000 acres of undeveloped forest in Maine. Together, these projects sequester enough carbon to neutralize AMC’s total annual emissions 100 times over!  

At AMC, we want to do more than offset our carbon emissions. Our top priority is reducing emissions directly. We are fiercely committed to getting as close as possible to producing no emissions at all. Our first checkpoint is to reduce emissions 45% below our 2010 emission levels by 2030. By 2050, we plan to eliminate at least 90% of emissions and offset any remaining emissions with carbon credits. To accomplish this goal, AMC is investing in clean energy while simultaneously utilizing innovative, high-efficiency equipment to reduce emissions at the source.  

The Net Zero Plan: A Tiered Approach to Reducing Emissions

When the Appalachian Mountain Club first embarked on its journey toward net zero in 2019, we knew we needed a Net Zero Strategic Plan that was bold yet attainable. First and foremost, AMC committed to transparency, tracking emissions and publicly reporting our progress toward achieving our goals. We encourage advocates and nature lovers to hold us accountable, every step of the way.  

The backbone of our plan is the carbon mitigation hierarchy, a strategic approach for reducing emissions. Through adopting this method, AMC plans to: 

1. Eliminate and reduce emissions from transportation and buildings by maximizing efficiency, enhancing electrification, and prioritizing conservation. 
2. Invest in renewable energy sources to limit emissions from burning fossil fuels.  
3. Counteract any unavoidable greenhouse gas emissions with carbon offsets.  

This strategy is visible throughout our operations. Many AMC lodges and huts feature heat pumps, induction stoves, insulated building envelopes, and electric vehicles. If you are exploring our sites, you may notice large solar panels on slanted roofs and backfields. Today, solar energy powers our entire High Mountain Hut system, supporting everything from home-cooked meals to hot water to hut heating.  

While we continue to transform how we produce, consume, and conserve energy, we know we will likely encounter residual emissions that cannot be prevented. This is why we have included a promise to annually offset any remaining emissions through carbon offsets. We believe that offsets should be used as either a transitional measure or a last resort.  These offsets will not replace crucial work to reduce emissions; instead they will supplement our progress and balance any elements that remain out of our control. 

Progress in Action: Solar, EVs, and Smart Upgrades

With 30 public lodging facilities, four offices, two visitor centers, and over 100,000 acres of land to manage, AMC has a large operational footprint. Yet, we’re making substantial progress: 

• In 2024, we invested in innovative solutions, adding over 100 kilowatts of solar power to our operations and launching our first all-electric boat at Three Mile Island Camp in New Hampshire.  

• We created the Climate and Conservation Fund to support investments that advance emission reductions. When companies purchase carbon offsets from AMC, their money goes directly to this fund, bringing our offset projects full circle by advancing our own efforts toward reaching net zero.  

This year, AMC is launching a variety of projects financed by the Climate and Conservation Fund: 

• Building envelope upgrades at Pinkham Notch to decrease propane heating consumption.  

• Solar panel enhancements at Madison Spring Hut, offsetting propane generator usage and increasing energy savings by 20%.  

• Solar thermal hot water systems at Galehead Hut, eliminating nearly 3,000 kg of carbon emissions annually. 

• Electrified fleet upgrades, such as the Ford Lightning, an all-electric model, replacing a gas-powered truck.  

• New EV charging stations at Mohican Outdoor Center and Noble View Outdoor Center.  

Each of these projects is a crucial step toward reducing our annual emissions and achieving net zero by 2050.  

Looking Ahead: Climate Goals Powered by Community Support

The progress we have made and plan to continue is made possible because of supporters like you who strongly believe in protecting the future of the outdoors. While federal and state conservation funding fluctuates, our mission remains strong—powered by our community of supporters, members, and donors.  

With your help, we’re not only reimagining how outdoor recreation operates in a changing climate, we’re setting a standard for sustainability in the Northeast. As AMC approaches its 150th anniversary, we envision a world in which nature is healthy, loved, and protected. Your gift brings us one step closer.   

Support AMC’s Journey to Net Zero