Three Class I Railroads Named to Forbes’ Net Zero Leaders List
Written by Carolina Worrell, Senior Editor
Three of the six Class I railroads have been named among the top 100 U.S. companies in Forbes’ first-ever sustainability ranking, with CSX placing in the top 10.
The Forbes Net Zero Leaders list consists of the top 100 U.S. companies that are focused on reducing their carbon footprint and achieving their sustainability goals. Forbes used data from research providers Sustainalytics and Morningstar to create the Net Zero ranking of companies that are best positioning themselves to reduce greenhouse-gas (GHG) emissions and transition to a low-carbon economy by 2050. The publication, according to Forbes, considered factors, such as “the robustness of companies’ climate governance, strategy and risk management, together with an assessment of competitive strength and financial position.” All companies were considered in the context of their industry and location of business operations.
CSX ranked No. 6 on the list, while Norfolk Southern (NS) came in at No. 18, and Union Pacific (UP) came in at No. 41.
CSX and NS were also recently recognized among America’s Climate Leaders by USA TODAY. Additionally, CSX, the Class I says, is also the only U.S. transportation company to be included in the 2023 S&P Global Sustainability Yearbook and has been part of the Dow Jones North America Sustainability Index for 12 consecutive years, based on its sustainability performance and other factors.
“Rail is the most fuel-efficient mode of land-based freight transportation, and CSX has taken a leadership role in demonstrating how rail will play a key role in creating a more sustainable supply chain,” said CSX President and CEO Joe Hinrichs. “We are continuing to introduce innovative technologies and operating practices that further improve fuel efficiency and lower greenhouse gas emissions.”
The full Forbes Net Zero Leaders list is available here.
