Norfolk Southern (NS) has released its new online sustainability report, “What Efficiency Looks Like,” which details NS’ progress toward achieving a balance between its business imperatives and its corporate environmental and social commitments.
“Efficiently moving freight trains across our 22-state network is a cornerstone of sustainability at Norfolk Southern,” stated NS CEO Jim Squires. “It’s about turning challenges into daily opportunities – keeping our people and communities safe, providing unequalled customer service, and being a good steward of the resources that contribute to our success.”
Highlights of the 2015 Sustainability Report include:
Environmental Performance
- New class of low-emission Eco locomotives at rail yards in Atlanta and Chicago;
- Introduced a plug-in engine-heating system at rail yards, reducing unnecessary locomotive idling in cold weather; and
- Adopted five-year goal to improve locomotive fuel efficiency, contributing to the reduction of the company’s greenhouse gas emissions.
Economic Performance
- Returned more than $700 million in dividends to shareholders, representing a 6 percent increase for the year;
- Supported the location of 61 new industries and 32 industry expansions along NS rail lines, representing $4.2 billion in customer investment and more than 6,100 new customer jobs; and
- Contributed more than $13.7 million in communities served by the railroad.
Social Performance
- Recorded a 13 percent decline in employee reportable injuries;
- Hired a record number of female employees;
- Formed local employee diversity and inclusion councils in each of its 10 operating divisions; and
- Helped train more than 4,800 local emergency responders in safe response to potential hazardous material transport incidents.
“Corporate sustainability at Norfolk Southern means acting responsibly in the conduct of our business, which enhances our ability to grow business,” remarked Bruno Maestri, NS vice president government relations and corporate sustainability officer. “We are part of the fabric of the communities where we operate, and we want to add value by what Norfolk Southern brings to our communities.”