Norfolk Southern Introduces RailGreen to Reduce Emissions
Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) has launched an innovative solution called RailGreen, aimed at assisting customers in minimizing emissions linked to their freight rail shipments. This groundbreaking program positions Norfolk Southern as the only freight railroad globally to provide verified certificates for supply chain emissions reduction.
Studies have shown that transporting goods via rail dramatically cuts emissions by an average of 75% compared to truck transportation. With RailGreen, freight customers can tackle the remaining 25% of their emissions. The emission reductions within a company’s supply chain are often challenging to identify and manage effectively. Collaborating with 123Carbon, a leading independent platform for book and claim, RailGreen facilitates this process.
Ed Elkins, the Executive Vice President & Chief Commercial Officer of Norfolk Southern, stated, "Rail is already the most sustainable method for land-based transport. RailGreen enhances our emissions savings while boosting biofuel usage and addressing a long-standing challenge in the industry."
Understanding How RailGreen Operates
The RailGreen initiative operates on a straightforward principle. Norfolk Southern's use of biofuels is verified by third-party certifications that generate RailGreen certificates. Customers can acquire these certificates to offset their supply chain emissions while encouraging Norfolk Southern to procure more low-carbon biofuels for its operations.
Scalability Across the Network
RailGreen is designed to be scalable, allowing shippers across various routes within Norfolk Southern’s network to incorporate sustainable practices wherever they transport freight by rail. Logistics providers and supply chain leaders can engage with this pioneering program on Norfolk Southern's official platform.
A Verified Approach to Emission Reduction
This process employs 123Carbon's blockchain-supported Environmental Attribute Certificates (EACs), ensuring that each ton of CO?e reduction is accurately tracked, thus preventing any double counting. The approach guarantees transparency in verifying the chain of custody, covering fuel providers, rail carriers, freight forwarders, and cargo owners. Independent verification by third-party partners confirms that carbon-reducing activities adhere to global standards.
Expert Insight on RailGreen's Impact
According to Jeroen Van Heningen, Managing Director at 123Carbon, "We are excited to collaborate with Norfolk Southern to deliver a transparent and authentic method for emission reductions within the freight rail sector. RailGreen signifies a substantial advancement by offering definitive, measurable decarbonization for shippers, supported by our blockchain-backed certificates that ensure each ton of CO?e reduction is diligently tracked. This capability grants shippers the assurance and reliability essential to achieving their sustainability objectives."
Norfolk Southern's Dedication to Sustainable Fuels
RailGreen is a component of Norfolk Southern’s broader strategy to advance sustainable freight solutions and promote biofuels. This commitment encompasses several key initiatives:
- Doubling biofuel consumption from the previous year to alleviate locomotive emissions effectively.
- Joining the Clean Fuels Alliance America to promote the development and transportation of biofuel products and feedstocks.
- Enhancing transport connections with biofuels, increasing the movement of both biofuels and related materials.
- Utilizing advanced fuel-efficiency technologies to optimize locomotive performance and provide improved reporting for customers.
- Launching and refining nature-based and community-driven programs aimed at amplifying sustainable efforts.
About Norfolk Southern
Since its inception in 1827, Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) has been pivotal in the safe transportation of goods vital to the U.S. economy. With operations spanning 22 states, Norfolk Southern is committed to improving sustainability by averting roughly 15 million tons of carbon emissions annually through rail transport. The company facilitates approximately 7 million carloads each year, handling a diverse range of products from agriculture to consumer goods. Norfolk Southern's extensive intermodal network serves a significant portion of the U.S. population and manufacturing sectors, ensuring seamless connections to all major container ports on the Atlantic coast, as well as crucial Gulf Coast and Great Lakes ports.
About 123Carbon
With a user base of over 50 globally, 123Carbon stands out as the pioneering independent platform for book and claim solutions. It assists fuel providers, fleet operators, and cargo owners in the issuance, management, and transfer of Environmental Attribute Certificates (EACs) across diverse transport modalities. Aside from its central registry, 123Carbon offers a private solution that helps SAF suppliers allocate branded certificates to customers in a secure manner. This functionality is especially vital for freight forwarders seeking a unified approach to manage their environmental contributions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is RailGreen?
RailGreen is an initiative by Norfolk Southern to help customers reduce their emissions related to freight rail shipments, providing verified certificates for emissions reduction.
How does the RailGreen program work?
RailGreen allows customers to purchase biofuel certificates, which contribute to their emissions reductions, while promoting the procurement of low-carbon biofuels by Norfolk Southern.
What are the benefits of shipping by rail?
Shipping by rail can reduce emissions by 75% compared to trucking, making it a more environmentally friendly option for transporting goods.
How does 123Carbon support RailGreen?
123Carbon provides blockchain-backed certificates that ensure transparency and traceability in emissions reductions, supporting the RailGreen initiative.
What is Norfolk Southern's commitment to sustainability?
Norfolk Southern is dedicated to sustainability through various efforts, including biofuel partnerships and initiatives aimed at minimizing carbon emissions in freight transport.
