ATLANTA — Norfolk Southern on Thursday released its inaugural Climate Transition Plan, which calls for significant improvements in fuel efficiency and increased use of renewable energy and biofuels.
“Reducing the environmental impact of our operations is driven by our commitment to a cleaner and better planet for our employees, our customers, and our communities for generations to come,” Josh Raglin, the railroad’s chief sustainability officer, said in a statement. “We recognize the significant role of greenhouse gas emissions in global climate change, and we are determined to do our part in mitigating these emissions.”
NS aims to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions intensity 42% by 2034 compared to a base year of 2019. Fuel accounts for more than 90% of the greenhouse gas emissions the railroad produces directly, such as through its locomotive fleet, as well as through its indirect emissions, which include things such as the purchase of electricity.
To move toward the science-based target, NS aims to improve fuel efficiency 13% by 2027 compared to a 2023 baseline; increase renewable energy use to 30% by 2030; and boost biofuel use to 20% of consumption by 2034.
In 2015 NS set a locomotive fuel-efficiency goal of an 8.6% improvement by 2020. The railroad topped the goal, reaching an improvement of 9.4%. An additional 4.3% improvement was made in 2021 and 2022.
NS aims to have 80% of its road locomotive fleet converted from DC to AC traction by 2027 and to continue modernizing more than 100 locomotives per year, with over 1,000 units expected by the end of 2025. The locomotive overhauls can improve fuel efficiency by up to 25% per unit.
More information is available on Norfolk Southern’s sustainability page.
