Norfolk Southern Sustainability Profile
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 48 is higher than 70% 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 Corporation reported total greenhouse gas emissions of approximately 4,098,384,000 kg CO2e for Scope 1, which includes emissions from mobile combustion (about 3,983,000,000 kg CO2e) and stationary combustion (about 194,540,000 kg CO2e). The company also reported Scope 2 emissions of approximately 145,307,000 kg CO2e and Scope 3 emissions of about 1,999,109,000 kg CO2e. Notably, the total emissions for Scope 1 and 2 combined reached approximately 4,243,691,000 kg CO2e. Norfolk Southern has set ambitious climate commitments, aiming for a 42% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions intensity by 2034, using 2019 as the base year. This target is aligned with science-based targets and aims to reduce emissions per million gross ton-miles (MGTM). As of 2023, the company has achieved a 15% reduction in absolute Scope 1 and 2 emissions from the 2019 baseline, alongside a 6% reduction in emissions intensity. Additionally, Norfolk Southern has committed to increasing its renewable energy usage to 30% by 2030 and aims for net zero carbon emissions in Georgia by 2050. These initiatives reflect the company's dedication to sustainable practices and its role in mitigating climate change impacts within the rail transportation sector.
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| 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scope 1 | 4,784,047,000 | - | - | 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 | - | - | - | 0,000,000,000 |
How Carbon Intensive is Norfolk Southern's Industry?
How Carbon Intensive is Norfolk Southern's Location?
Norfolk Southern's Scope 3 Categories Breakdown
Norfolk Southern's Scope 3 emissions, which decreased by 34% last year and decreased by approximately 34% since 2019, 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 32% of total emissions under the GHG Protocol, with "Fuel and Energy Related Activities" being the largest emissions source at 48% of Scope 3 emissions.
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Norfolk Southern'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.
Norfolk Southern 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 Norfolk Southern's sustainability data and climate commitments