UP releases 2012 Sustainability and Citizenship Report

Written by Jenifer Nunez, assistant editor
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Union Pacific published its 2012 Sustainability and Citizenship Report, underscoring the company's innovations in the areas of environmental stewardship, safe operations, employee well-being, community development and customer value, as well as its commitment to upholding the highest standards of corporate governance and ethics.

“Union Pacific’s legacy of delivering the goods upon which Americans depend is rooted in our dedication to serve our customers, employees, communities and shareholders,” said Robert Turner, Union Pacific senior vice president corporate relations. “Our employees share a responsibility to continue developing sustainable business practices, meeting the growing global demand for freight transportation solutions, while preserving our environment, strengthening our communities and being an employer of choice.”

Following are highlights of Union Pacific’s 2012 Sustainability and Citizenship Report:

• Union Pacific’s customers eliminated an estimated 33.5 million metric tons of greenhouse gases by moving their products by rail instead of truck.

• The company diverted from landfills an estimated 75 percent of its waste.

• The railroad recycled more than 4.2 million gallons of oil and fuel.

• Union Pacific purchased 200 new fuel-efficient locomotives, replacing older, less fuel-efficient units.

• Employees achieved an all-time safety record for the fifth consecutive year.

• Customer satisfaction results reached a record high.

• Union Pacific promoted rail safety through paid media campaigns that reached an audience of more than 73 million people and community outreach activities and training that connected with 704,000 people.

• The company hired approximately 3,900 employees, including more than 900 military veterans.

• Union Pacific increased its spending with women- and minority-owned suppliers by 16 percent compared to 2011.

• Union Pacific purchased goods or services from more than 500 diverse suppliers in 39 states.

• Union Pacific supported more than 2,500 non-profit organizations.

• Fortune named Union Pacific the most admired among trucking, transportation and logistics companies for the third consecutive year.

In formulating its 2012 Sustainability and Citizenship Report, Union Pacific considered the Global Reporting Initiative’s 2011 G3.1 Sustainability Reporting Guidelines as a standard framework. Union Pacific’s 2012 greenhouse gas inventory was verified by Conestoga-Rovers & Associates. The railroad works with Trinity Consultants to compile its greenhouse gas inventory. Conestoga-Rovers & Associates and Trinity Consultants are independent organizations.

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