Norfolk Southern
Norfolk Southern Corporation, commonly referred to as Norfolk Southern, is a leading transportation service provider headquartered in the United States. Established in 1827, the company has evolved into a major player in the North American railway industry, primarily operating in the eastern United States. Specialising in the transportation of coal, intermodal containers, and various freight commodities, Norfolk Southern is renowned for its extensive rail network and commitment to safety and efficiency. The company has achieved significant milestones, including the merger with Southern Railway in 1982, which solidified its market position. With a focus on sustainability and innovation, Norfolk Southern continues to enhance its services, making it a vital component of the supply chain for numerous industries. Its dedication to operational excellence and customer service has earned it a reputation as a trusted partner in freight transportation.
DitchCarbon Score
How does Norfolk Southern's carbon action stack up? DitchCarbon scores companies based on their carbon action and commitment to reducing emissions. Read about our methodology to learn more.
Industry Average
Mean score of companies in the Rail Transport industry. Comparing a company's score to the industry average can give you a sense of how well the company is doing compared to its peers.
Industry Benchmark
Norfolk Southern's score of 55 is higher than 97% of the industry. This can give you a sense of how well the company is doing compared to its peers.
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Norfolk Southern's reported carbon emissions
In 2023, Norfolk Southern reported total greenhouse gas emissions of approximately 4,142,028,000 kg CO2e for Scope 1, 145,307,000 kg CO2e for Scope 2, and 1,999,109,000 kg CO2e for Scope 3, amounting to a total of about 6,286,444,000 kg CO2e. This represents a slight increase from 2022, where total emissions were approximately 7,071,676,000 kg CO2e, with Scope 1 emissions at 4,127,658,000 kg CO2e, Scope 2 at 150,491,000 kg CO2e, and Scope 3 at 2,793,527,000 kg CO2e. Norfolk Southern has established a science-based target to reduce its Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions intensity by 42% by 2034, using 2019 as the baseline year. This commitment aligns with industry standards aimed at limiting global warming to well below 2°C. The target includes biogenic emissions and removals from bioenergy feedstocks, reflecting a comprehensive approach to emissions reduction. The company is actively working towards these goals, with a focus on improving operational efficiency and reducing emissions per million gross ton-miles (MGTM). As of now, Norfolk Southern has not committed to a net-zero target but continues to monitor and report its emissions across all scopes, demonstrating transparency and accountability in its climate commitments.
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| 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scope 1 | 4,784,047,000 | 0,000,000,000 | 0,000,000,000 | 0,000,000,000 | 0,000,000,000 |
| Scope 2 | 201,474,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 |
| Scope 3 | 3,013,192,000 | 000,000,000 | 0,000,000,000 | 0,000,000,000 | 0,000,000,000 |
Industry emissions intensity
Location emissions intensity
Reduction initiatives & disclosure networks
Companies disclose and commit to reducing emissions to show they are serious about reducing emissions impact over time. They can also help a company track its progress over time.
Norfolk Southern is participating in some of the initiatives that we track. This may change over time as the company engages with new initiatives or updates its commitments. DitchCarbon will update this information as it becomes available.
