Norfolk Southern Corporation, commonly referred to as Norfolk Southern, is a leading player in the railway transportation services industry, headquartered in the United States. Founded in 1827, the company has a rich history marked by significant milestones, including its merger with Southern Railway in 1982, which expanded its operational reach across the eastern United States.
Specialising in freight transportation, Norfolk Southern operates a vast network that spans 22 states, providing essential services for various industries, including automotive, coal, and intermodal shipping. Its commitment to innovation and efficiency sets it apart, with a focus on sustainable practices and advanced technology in rail operations. Recognised for its strong market position, Norfolk Southern continues to achieve notable milestones, reinforcing its status as a cornerstone of American logistics and transportation.
+12 vs industry average
Norfolk Southern’s score of 32 is higher than 54% of the industry. This can give you a sense of how well the company is doing compared to its peers.
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Industry Intensity
Rail Transport is among the most carbon-intensive industries
Industry performance
The Rail Transport industry has reduced its overall emissions by 34% since 2019
Emissions trajectory 2020 – 2027
Reported emissions
Scope 3 accounts for ••• of total emissions.
Norfolk Southern's reported carbon emissions
Norfolk Southern: Carbon Emissions and Climate Commitments
Norfolk Southern, a leading railway transportation services provider headquartered in the US, has publicly stated its commitment to reducing its environmental impact. While specific absolute emission figures for all scopes are not consistently available across all reporting years, the company has provided significant detail regarding its emissions intensity and reduction targets.
Latest Emissions Data and Commitments:
For the reporting year 2024, Norfolk Southern reported the following emissions:
- Scope 1: Approximately 4,018,797,000 kg CO2e
- Scope 2: Approximately 135,681,000 kg CO2e
- Scope 3: Approximately 1,773,373,000 kg CO2e
- Total Combined Scope 1 and 2: Approximately 4,190,000,000 kg CO2e
Across all scopes (Scope 1, 2, and 3), Norfolk Southern's total emissions for 2024 were approximately 5,927,851,000 kg CO2e.
Previous years' data includes:
- 2023: Scope 1 and 2 emissions totalled approximately 4,240,000,000 kg CO2e.
- 2022: Scope 1 and 2 emissions were approximately 4,280,000,000 kg CO2e.
- 2021: Scope 1 and 2 emissions were approximately 4,310,000,000 kg CO2e.
- 2020: Scope 1 and 2 emissions were approximately 4,200,000,000 kg CO2e, with Scope 2 emissions being approximately 176,274,000 kg CO2e (market-based) and 193,097,000 kg CO2e (location-based).
- 2019: Scope 1 emissions were 4,784,047,000 kg CO2e, and Scope 2 emissions were approximately 201,474,000 kg CO2e (both market and location-based). Scope 3 emissions in 2019 included categories such as purchased goods and services (146,465,000 kg CO2e) and fuel and energy-related activities (1,074,376,000 kg CO2e).
Climate Reduction Targets and Initiatives:
Norfolk Southern has established ambitious climate targets, primarily focusing on emissions intensity reductions. The company has committed to:
- Science-Based Target (SBT): A 42% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions intensity by 2034, using a 2019 base year. This target is aligned with reductions necessary to keep global warming well below 2°C.
- Net Zero Commitment: Norfolk Southern has committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions in Georgia by 2050.
- Progress in 2023: The company reported a 6% reduction in emissions intensity and a 15% reduction in absolute Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2023, compared to the 2019 base year.
- Renewable Energy: A target to increase renewable energy usage to 30% by 2030.
These commitments demonstrate Norfolk Southern's dedication to decarbonisation within the railway transportation services sector.
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Norfolk Southern’s Climate Goals (2030 & 2050)
6 goals2034
42% reduction in Scope 2
A science-based target, or SBT, is a company’s ambitious goal of reducing carbon emissions in accordance with the latest climate scie…
2030
62% reduction in total GHG
Vs 2019 baseline. Validated by SBTi. Includes full supply chain.
2040
50% reduction in Scope 3 intensity
Across purchased goods and services and logistics.
See all 6 climate goals
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Scope 3 top emissions categories
No scope 3 category breakdown has been disclosed yet.
Climate initiatives
Science Based Targets Initiative
Carbon Disclosure Project
The Climate Pledge
UN Global Compact Climate Champions initiative
RE 100
Climate Action 100
Emissions comparison with industry peers
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Norfolk Southern
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about Norfolk Southern’s sustainability data and climate commitments
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