August 8, 2014
Norfolk Southern reports progress
and efforts to reduce environmental impact
NORFOLK, VA. - Norfolk Southern
has reported its carbon performance and strategic efforts in the past year to
lower the railroad's greenhouse gas emissions, driving improved operating
efficiencies and customer service.
The company's seventh annual
public disclosure to CDP, formerly known as the Carbon
Disclosure Project, describes investments in technologies and network
improvements reducing the railroad's carbon footprint while expanding freight
capacity and providing fuel- and cost-efficient customer service. The disclosure
also charts progress on the company's five-year goal to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions intensity by 10 percent per revenue ton-mile, reaching nearly 79
percent of goal with one year remaining.
"Our CDP disclosure is driven by
the company's commitment to be accountable and transparent in how we address
environmental impacts of our operations," said Blair Wimbush, vice president
real estate and corporate sustainability officer. "Today's environmental issues,
such as climate change, offer complex challenges as well as opportunities for
businesses and communities, and Norfolk Southern is fully engaged in achieving
successful outcomes."
Norfolk
Southern describes key strategic initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
They include:
- Expanding its LEADER train-handling initiative, a GPS-based technology that in 2013 saved an estimated 10 million gallons of diesel fuel and reduced locomotive GHG emissions by an estimated 110,500 metric tons.
- Purchasing new, more fuel-efficient locomotives and upgrading older locomotives with reconditioned engines that boost fuel economy and are cleaner burning.
- Investing in network improvements to increase freight rail capacity, providing customers with truck-competitive service that reduces their supply chain carbon footprint and eases highway congestion.
- Improving building operating efficiencies by installing more energy-efficient lights and HVAC systems at railroad facilities.
- Exploring locomotive fuel alternatives, including battery power and natural gas.
To learn more about Norfolk
Southern's efforts to reduce the environmental impacts of its business
operations, view the railroad's CDP filing and 2014 sustainability
report.
Norfolk Southern
Corporation
(NYSE: NSC) is one of the nation's premier transportation companies. Its Norfolk
Southern Railway Company subsidiary operates approximately 20,000 route miles in 22 states and the District of
Columbia, serves every major container port in the eastern United States, and
provides efficient connections to other rail carriers. Norfolk Southern operates
the most extensive intermodal network in the East and is a major transporter of
coal, automotive, and industrial products.
###
Norfolk Southern
contacts: