NORFOLK, Va. — Norfolk Southern Corp. has issued its first sustainability report, describing what the company says is its commitment to responsible economic, environmental and social performance.
The report, which the company plans to issue annually, is posted on Norfolk Southern’s environmental Web site at http://www.nscorp.com/footprints. Through narrative, metrics, and profiles of employees who are making a difference, the 56-page report documents Norfolk Southern’s sustainability progress.
Its content is modeled after the sustainability reporting guidelines of the Global Reporting Initiative, NS said.
In a letter introducing the report, Wick Moorman, Norfolk Southern chairman, president, and chief executive officer, said, “Our goal is to achieve industry leadership in fuel conservation, emissions reduction, efficient energy use, recycling, use of renewable materials, and environmental partnerships.”
Moorman notes that as technology has transformed railroad operations, it also has made them greener. For example, one train can haul the equivalent of up to 500 truckloads, and on a single gallon of diesel fuel, a freight train can move a ton of freight an average of 436 miles.
“Today, rail is more vital to our national transportation network than ever, and it is the most energy-efficient and eco-friendly way to transport the goods that move the nation’s economy,” Moorman said. “These clear advantages of rail freight transportation have far-reaching implications for addressing our nation’s crowded highways while protecting and conserving natural resources.”
“We believe it is our responsibility to conduct our business in accordance with sustainability practices that will help to provide ongoing opportunities for our people, our communities, our customers, and our investors,” Moorman said. “Just as we have served our customers and communities for close to two centuries, Norfolk Southern is dedicated to being a responsible corporate citizen for generations to come.”
— PRNewswire-FirstCall
