NORFOLK, Va., Aug. 9, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Norfolk Southern
Corporation (NYSE: NSC) today released its 14th annual
report on corporate responsibility. The company's report received a
name change this year, now known as the Environmental, Social, and
Governance Report, to better reflect the company's holistic
commitment to a sustainable enterprise.
"At Norfolk Southern, sustainability is in our DNA – a part of
everything we do as a company. From environmental stewardship to
the safety and development of our entire team, we are in the
business of a better planet, committed to bold leadership and
deliberate action," said James A.
Squires, Norfolk Southern chairman, president and CEO.
Norfolk Southern took its industry-leading sustainability
efforts to new heights in 2020, becoming the first major North
American railroad to issue green bonds, in the amount of
$500 million. Further, the company
established a science-based target for a 42% reduction in
greenhouse gas emissions intensity that is consistent with the
Paris Agreement on climate change.
"We're focused on driving change, being proactive, and managing
for results. We're going to continue looking for ways to drive
efficiency in our business and lower our environmental impacts.
It's really about being the best steward that we can be of our
assets, contributing to a better planet, and adding value for our
stakeholders," said Josh Raglin,
Norfolk Southern's chief sustainability officer.
Among the milestones listed in the report, Norfolk Southern:
Made significant infrastructure and community
investments
- Issued $500 million in green
bonds to fund eligible green projects addressing climate change and
sustainability.
- Made approximately $850 million
in new infrastructure investments, inclusive of rail, crossties,
ballast, and track.
- Spent $166 million with diverse
suppliers.
- Made $13.1 million in total
corporate contributions across the company's 22 state
footprint.
Set and met ambitious goals
- In 2015, Norfolk Southern set a goal to improve fuel efficiency
8.6% by 2020. That goal was exceeded in 2020, with a 9.4%
improvement. This saved more than 130 million gallons of diesel
fuel and avoided 1.3 million metric tons of emissions.
- Nearly doubled renewable energy usage to 18% in deregulated
markets as of May 1, 2021.
Established a new goal of using 30% clean energy by 2030.
Furthered sustainable operations
- Diverted 81% of waste from landfills.
- Minimized RCRA Hazardous Waste to 0.03% of total waste
generated.
- Recycled 100% of old cross ties and more than 90% of
steel.
- Recycled all 400 miles of rail replaced each year.
- Reclaimed over 6,200 tons of used oil.
Delivered for the U.S. economy
- Carried over 274,900 tons of asphalt shingles, 3.9 million tons
of lumber, and 312,500 tons of drywall sheets – enough supply to
roof, frame, and drywall 120,000-160,000 average single-family
homes.
- Moved more than 10.2 billion pounds of grain that poultry
producers used as feedstock to raise 1.7 billion chickens and
turkeys to help feed America.
- Helped to create nearly 3,000 new customer jobs.
To access the full Environmental, Social, and Governance Report,
visit
http://www.nscorp.com/content/nscorp/en/about-ns/sustainability.html.
About Norfolk Southern
Norfolk Southern
Corporation (NYSE: NSC) is one of the nation's premier
transportation companies, moving the goods and materials that drive
the U.S. economy. Norfolk Southern connects customers to markets
and communities to economic opportunity, with safe, reliable, and
cost-effective shipping solutions. The company's service area
includes 22 states and the District of
Columbia, every major container port in the eastern
United States, and a majority of
the U.S. population and manufacturing base.
http://www.norfolksouthern.com
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SOURCE Norfolk Southern Corporation