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 67 is higher than 82% of the industry. This can give you a sense of how well the company is doing compared to its peers.
Let us know if this data was useful to you
Union Pacific Railroad's reported carbon emissions
In 2024, Union Pacific Railroad reported total carbon emissions of approximately 9,286,290,000 kg CO2e for Scope 1, 227,007,000 kg CO2e for Scope 2 (market-based), and 4,836,332,000 kg CO2e for Scope 3 emissions. The combined Scope 1 and 2 emissions amounted to about 9,493,061,000 kg CO2e. In 2023, the figures were slightly lower, with Scope 1 emissions at approximately 9,156,525,000 kg CO2e, Scope 2 at 235,705,000 kg CO2e, and Scope 3 at 5,324,487,000 kg CO2e. Union Pacific has set ambitious climate commitments, aiming to reduce absolute Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 50.4% by 2030, using 2018 as the baseline year. This target has been approved by the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) and includes a commitment to reduce Scope 3 emissions from purchased goods and services, capital goods, and fuel and energy-related activities by the same percentage within the same timeframe. The company’s emissions data is not cascaded from any parent organization, indicating that these figures are independently reported. Union Pacific's commitment to sustainability reflects its proactive approach to addressing climate change within the rail transportation sector.
Unlock detailed emissions data
Access structured emissions data, company-specific emission factors, and source documents
| 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