UP GHG Targets Greenlighted

Written by Marybeth Luczak, Executive Editor
UP has committed to a 26% reduction in “absolute scope 1 and 2” GHG emissions from operations by 2030, against a 2018 baseline.

UP has committed to a 26% reduction in “absolute scope 1 and 2” GHG emissions from operations by 2030, against a 2018 baseline.

The Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) has approved Union Pacific’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction targets.

The commitment, UP said, is a 26% reduction in “absolute scope 1 and 2” GHG emissions from operations by 2030, against a 2018 baseline.

SBTi “independently assesses corporate emissions reduction targets in line with what climate scientists say is needed to meet the Paris Agreement goals—limiting global warming to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels,” UP said.

“Committing to achieve our SBTi targets is just one piece of our railroad’s overall Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) strategy,” Chief Human Resource Officer Beth Whited said. “Built on four areas of concentration—Engaging Employees, Sustainable Solutions, Protecting the Environment and Strengthening Communities—our ESG strategy addresses the evolving needs of our stakeholder groups over the next decade and is more inclusive of the overall impact we can have.”

Kansas City Southern (KCS) recently submitted a letter to SBTi committing to setting its own GHG emissions reduction target.

That is the first step in the process, according to SBTi, followed by work on an emissions reduction target in line with SBTi criteria and recommendations; submission of the target to SBTi for validation; and a formal announcement and annual disclosure of the target. About 1,146 companies are currently working with SBTi.

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