NS Earns CDP Climate Action Leadership Rating
Written by Marybeth Luczak, Executive Editor
NS improved locomotive fuel efficiency by 5% in 2020 and by an additional 3% year to date.
Norfolk Southern (NS) has been awarded an A- rating for leadership in corporate sustainability from global environmental non-profit CDP.
NS attributed the achievement, primarily, to its “pursuit of a science-based emissions reduction target for efficiency.” Earlier this year, the Class I railroad committed to achieving a 42% reduction in scope 1 and 2 GHG (greenhouse gas) intensity by 2034 from a 2019 base year; NS noted that it made a 7% reduction in carbon emissions intensity in 2020 alone. Another factor in its CDP leadership rating, NS said, is its ongoing participation in forest carbon projects and efforts to source clean energy for NS facilities.
NS also reported that it improved locomotive fuel efficiency by 5% in 2020 and by an additional 3% year to date. It is now looking to further boost locomotive fuel efficiency and increase biofuel use.
CDP is an internationally recognized organization that runs a global environmental disclosure platform assessing companies on their climate-related performance and transparency. It scored 11,759 worldwide companies this year on their climate change efforts and disclosures. Scores are based on data reported through CDP’s questionnaire.
“Reducing our carbon footprint is central to how we operate our company—it’s good business and good for the planet,” Norfolk Southern Chief Sustainability Officer Josh Raglin said. “Whether that’s through more efficient locomotives or setting aggressive goals for ourselves, we aim to make the most environmentally friendly way to move freight over land even more sustainable. Importantly, our efforts also have a positive impact on the carbon footprint of our customer’s supply chain operations.”
