Union Pacific Railroad Sustainability Profile
Union Pacific Railroad, a prominent player in the North American transportation sector, is headquartered in the United States. Founded in 1862, it has established itself as a leader in freight rail services, operating across 23 states in the western two-thirds of the country. The company is renowned for its extensive network, which facilitates the movement of goods ranging from agricultural products to industrial materials. With a commitment to innovation and efficiency, Union Pacific offers unique services such as intermodal transportation and logistics solutions, enhancing supply chain management for its customers. The company has achieved significant milestones, including the completion of the first transcontinental railroad, solidifying its market position as a vital link in the nation's freight infrastructure. Union Pacific Railroad continues to set industry standards, making it a cornerstone of American commerce.
DitchCarbon Score
How does Union Pacific Railroad'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
Union Pacific Railroad's score of 69 is higher than 83% of the industry. This can give you a sense of how well the company is doing compared to its peers.
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Union Pacific Railroad's reported carbon emissions
In 2024, Union Pacific Railroad reported total greenhouse gas emissions of approximately 9.3 billion kg CO2e. This figure includes 9.3 billion kg CO2e from Scope 1 emissions, about 227 million kg CO2e from Scope 2 emissions, and approximately 4.8 billion kg CO2e from Scope 3 emissions. The company has set ambitious targets to reduce its carbon footprint, committing to a 50.4% reduction in absolute Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030, using 2018 as the baseline year. This target has been approved by the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) and is aligned with the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5°C. Union Pacific's emissions data reflects a consistent approach to sustainability, with a focus on reducing emissions across all scopes. The company has also committed to a 50.4% reduction in Scope 3 emissions, which encompasses emissions from purchased goods and services, capital goods, and fuel and energy-related activities, within the same timeframe. These commitments demonstrate Union Pacific's dedication to addressing climate change and enhancing its operational efficiency while contributing to broader industry efforts to mitigate environmental impacts.
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| 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scope 1 | 11,313,933,000 | 00,000,000,000 | 0,000,000,000 | 0,000,000,000 | 0,000,000,000 | 0,000,000,000 | 0,000,000,000 |
| Scope 2 | 311,560,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 |
| Scope 3 | 6,243,210,000 | 0,000,000,000 | 0,000,000,000 | 0,000,000,000 | 0,000,000,000 | 0,000,000,000 | 0,000,000,000 |
How Carbon Intensive is Union Pacific Railroad's Industry?
How Carbon Intensive is Union Pacific Railroad's Location?
Union Pacific Railroad's Scope 3 Categories Breakdown
Union Pacific Railroad's Scope 3 emissions, which decreased by 9% last year and decreased by approximately 23% since 2018, demonstrating supply chain emissions tracking. A significant portion of their carbon footprint comes from suppliers and value chain emissions, with Scope 3 emissions accounting for 34% of total emissions under the GHG Protocol, with "Fuel and Energy Related Activities" being the largest emissions source at 63% of Scope 3 emissions.
Top Scope 3 Categories
Union Pacific Railroad's Climate Goals (2030 & 2050)
Climate goals typically focus on 2030 interim targets and 2050 net-zero commitments, aligned with global frameworks like the Paris Agreement and Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) to ensure alignment with global climate goals.
Union Pacific Railroad has established climate goals through participation in recognized frameworks and target-setting initiatives. Companies often set interim 2030 targets and long-term 2050 net-zero goals to demonstrate measurable progress toward decarbonization.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Union Pacific Railroad's sustainability data and climate commitments