In the Business of a Better Planet

Sustainability drives us. In 2007, we named the industry’s first chief sustainability officer, and in 2021, we set an ambitious, science-based target to reduce GHG emissions by 2034. Let us help you grow with the most sustainable way to ship freight over land. Check out our latest Forging a Better Tomorrow report and its highlights below.

 

View our most recent highlights

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Low shot of Norfolk Southern employee riding front of eco train to improve sustainable rail transport

NEW

Inaugural Climate Transition Plan

We mean it when we say we’re committed to building a better planet, that’s why we launched our inaugural Climate Transition Plan (CTP). Our CTP is a roadmap aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions as we focus on transitioning to a sustainable, low carbon economy. It’s the right step forward to making a positive impact for our employees, customers, and communities.

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Inaugural Climate Transition Plan

REDUCING ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

Conserving natural resources and reducing our impact on the environment are fundamental to our business. We invite our customers and partners to work with us to meet their sustainability goals and build a better planet.

Carbon Calculator

Reduce emissions and shipping costs. By shipping with rail, our customers save about 15 million metric tons of CO2 each year.

Estimate Your Savings
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Sustainability Initiatives

We’re taking bold action and innovative approaches that move our business sustainably forward.

View Our Initiatives
Aerial view of three Norfolk Southern employees working in a marsh to help with sustainable rail transport.

Environmental Stewardship

From South Carolina wetlands to the Virginia coast and beyond, we continue to expand our decades-long conservation efforts driving sustainable land use and enhancing biodiversity.

See Our Progress
Long aerial view of wetlands winding through trees showing environmental impact.

Our Vision

Forging a Better Tomorrow

Our goal is to create a more sustainable world, a brighter future for our employees, and help our customers achieve their sustainability goals. Our latest Forging a Better Tomorrow report highlights all we do to drive sustainability, support our people and more.

Read the Report
Close up shot of a Brosnan Forest employee showing the effects of sustainable rail transport

MEASURING OUR IMPACT

OUR RESULTS

We push the sustainability of rail further with bold leadership and deliberate action. See how we're moving the world and delivering the low carbon economy.

~$1.5 BILLION

We invested $1.5 billion in our locomotives, freight cars, and tracks to serve you better.

75%

Moving freight by rail instead of truck reduces greenhouse gas emissions 75% on average.1

7X

Trains are up to seven times more fuel-efficient than trucks.2

1. AAR Analysis of EPA: U.S. GHG Emissions from Transportation, 2021 2. "Emissions From Rail vs. Trucking Report" Stanford University 2022

A Sustainable Foundation

Five Pillars of Environmental Sustainability

At Norfolk Southern, sustainability is built on more than just one action or initiative.

  • White icon of a cloud on a navy blue circle representing decarbonization in sustainable rail transport

    Decarbonization

    To help guide us in meeting our science-based target to reduce carbon emissions, we’re developing our Climate Transition Plan for release by the end of 2023.

  • White icon of a building on a navy blue circle representing facilities in sustainable rail transport

    Facilities

    We are committed to ensuring our facilities are energy efficient and powered by renewable energy with a goal to increase our renewable energy usage to 30% by 2030.

  • White icon of two arrows making a circle on a navy blue circle representing circularity in sustainable rail transport

    Circularity

    Recycling, reusing, and minimizing waste are some of the most important ways we can lessen our environmental impact. For example, 70% of the rail we purchased in 2022 was made from recycled steel.

  • White icon of two hands shaking on a navy blue circle representing partners in sustainable rail transport

    Partners

    We help customers and stakeholders decarbonize their supply chains, moving sustainability forward across the globe.

  • White icon of plant on a navy circle representing nature in sustainable rail transport

    Nature

    Brosnan Forest, a 14,400-acre coastal nature preserve, is a prime example of our advocacy for sustainable land use and biodiversity.

A Clear Path Forward

Our Science-based Target

A science-based target, or SBT, is a company’s ambitious goal of reducing carbon emissions in accordance with the latest climate science. In 2021, we announced our science-based target to achieve a 42%  reduction in scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 2034.

Black blue red and yellow logo with waves in a circle that says Science Based Targets, driving ambitious corporate climage action

Additional Resources

Download the statement of Greenhouse Gas Emissions completed by an independent account review.

Download 2023 Emission Report

Read Norfolk Southern's Climate Change Questionnaire for the global disclosure system CDP.

Download CDP Filing Report

 

Download Norfolk Southern's Climate Transition Plan for a low-carbon future.

Download EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Download FULL REPORT

Previous Reports

2021 In the Business of a Better Planet Report
2022 In the Business of a Better Planet Report
2023 Forging a Better Tomorrow Report