ATLANTA, GA (Railfan Journal) – Norfolk Southern Corporation took a significant step towards environmental sustainability with the release of its inaugural Climate Transition Plan (CTP) on Thursday.
The plan outlines the company’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and transitioning towards a low-carbon economy, aligning with its values and understanding of climate science.
Norfolk Southern’s CTP places a strong emphasis on fuel management and consumption, aiming to achieve a science-based target of reducing GHG emissions intensity by 42% by 2034.
Innovative technologies and operational practices will be employed to enhance the fuel economy of the locomotive fleet, considering that fuel constitutes over 90% of the company’s scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions.
The plan also underscores increased usage of low-carbon fuels and renewable energy sources.
Josh Raglin, Chief Sustainability Officer at Norfolk Southern, emphasized, “Reducing the environmental impact of our operations is driven by our commitment to a cleaner and better planet for our employees, our customers, and our communities for generations to come.”
The CTP, grounded in a maturity assessment following CDP technical guidance on Climate Transition Plans and Assessing Low-Carbon Transition (ACT) guidance, is a response to the evolving regulatory and market dynamics surrounding climate change.
Norfolk Southern has identified three key performance indicators as decarbonization levers:
- Fuel Efficiency: Targeting a 13% improvement by 2027.
- Renewable Energy: Aiming for 30% usage by 2030.
- Biofuels: Targeting a 20% consumption by 2034.
The plan demonstrates Norfolk Southern’s proactive approach to climate-related risks and opportunities, aligning with a broader commitment to building a sustainable future.
For more detailed information about Norfolk Southern’s sustainability efforts and access to its annual reports, including the full CTP, visit www.norfolksouthern.com/sustainability.
Since 1827, Norfolk Southern Corporation and its predecessor companies have been pivotal in safely transporting goods and materials that drive the U.S. economy.