NS joins U.S. Green Building Council

Written by jrood

Norfolk Southern has joined the U.S. Green Building Council, a non-profit, membership-based organization committed to a prosperous and sustainable future for the nation through cost-efficient and energy-saving green buildings.

Through its latest
public-private partnership initiative, the Crescent Corridor Intermodal Freight
Program, NS will capitalize on the inherent efficiencies of rail transportation
to substantially reduce fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. As part
of the Crescent Corridor program, NS has committed to submitting buildings from
three of its proposed intermodal terminals in Birmingham, Ala., Greencastle,
Pa., and Memphis, Tenn., for LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental
Design) Certification.

Norfolk Southern is USGBC’s
first Class I railroad member.

"Railroads are the most
environmentally friendly means of moving the goods that move the economy," said
NS CEO Wick Moorman. "Norfolk Southern’s goal is to lead the industry in
emissions reduction, efficient energy use, and environmentally focused
public-private partnerships."

"LEED certified buildings
are environmentally responsible and healthier places to live or work," Governor
Ed Rendell said. "Pennsylvania has been in the forefront of developing high-performance
buildings – second only to California in the number of LEED certified projects.
Our Energy Independence Strategy will help us do even more for our environment.
This component of Norfolk Southern’s Crescent Corridor Program adds further
value to this smart and environmentally friendly infrastructure investment."

"Now as America and the
world begin making a historic transition to a green economy, we look to make
Alabama a leader in science and technology." said Governor Bob Riley. "Norfolk
Southern’s Crescent Corridor Program is one such project that will connect
Alabama to the global markets, promote economic development, and protect the
environment. Alabama will continue to be an active partner in these
collaborations that foster an environment of progress, competitiveness, and
innovation. "

"We need to continue
building on existing clean energy policies in Tennessee and support broader
clean energy efforts," Governor Phil Bredesen said. "Tennessee is truly
positioned to be a leader in the development of regional and national energy
solutions that can provide economic and environmental benefits to our citizens.
Norfolk Southern’s Crescent Corridor Program will provide a clean,
environmentally friendly future for Tennessee and the nation, while further
enhancing our competitiveness and spurring economic growth."

"By becoming a member
company of the U.S. Green Building Council, Norfolk Southern is demonstrating
its commitment to our shared goal of a more sustainably-built environment,"
said Chris Smith, USGBC’s chief operating officer.

The LEED certification
system rewards current best practices and provides an outline for buildings to
use less energy, water, and natural resources while improving the indoor
environment – with the goal of maximizing operational efficiency while
minimizing environmental impacts. The process for obtaining LEED certification
is based on accumulating points in five areas: sustainable site development,
water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection, and indoor environmental
quality. NS actively has been incorporating LEED standards into its building
and planning designs and is committed to achieving these standards.

Norfolk Southern also is
implementing sustainable operations throughout its facilities, including the
use of the state-of-the-art low emission cranes and tractors that will reduce
the particulate emissions by 90 percent and nitrogen oxide emissions by 45
percent. NS is experimenting with new methods to reduce truck idling, and
implementing improved strategies for reducing electricity usage at all of its
facilities as well.

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