NS Issues Inaugural Climate Transition Plan

(NS Photograph)

Norfolk Southern (NS) reported that its inaugural plan aimed at “reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions with a focus on transitioning to a low-carbon economy” was released Jan. 4.

The Climate Transition Plan (download below) is slated to help NS achieve its science-based target of reducing GHG emissions intensity 42% by 2034, the Class I reported. The Plan identifies three key ways for doing so: a 13% improvement in locomotive fuel efficiency by 2027, a commitment to increasing renewable energy usage to 30% by 2030, and 20% consumption of low-carbon fuels (biofuels) by 2034. Fuel is said to account for more than 90% of NS’s scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions.

According to NS, the Climate Transition Plan is necessary “because of the evolving market and regulatory landscape.” To develop it, NS conducted a maturity assessment based on the CDP technical guidance on Climate Transition Plans and The Assessing Low-Carbon Transition (ACT) guidance.

The Plan covers governance, GHG accounting and verification, scenario analysis, risks and opportunities, financial planning, targets, strategy (example above), value chain engagement and low-carbon initiatives, and policy engagement. It will be reviewed and updated every two to five years. NS said that any material changes to its decarbonization targets would result in an updated Plan.

“I am pleased to introduce Norfolk Southern’s inaugural Climate Transition Plan (CTP), another milestone in our longstanding commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability,” NS Chief Sustainability Officer Josh Raglin wrote in the Plan. “Rail is the most sustainable way to move freight over land. As one of the nation’s leading freight railroads, we understand the critical role we play in reducing supply chain emissions and fostering a transition to a low-carbon economy. We remain focused on building a better planet, a brighter future for our employees and our communities, and partnering with our customers to achieve their sustainability goals.”

NS also publishes a voluntary annual Environmental, Social, Governance report; the most recent report was released last summer and highlighted its “long-term strategy to balance service, productivity and growth; initiatives to enhance rail safety; and the company’s ongoing efforts in East Palestine, Ohio.”