NS targets carbon emissions

Norfolk Southern Corp. has announced a five-year goal to reduce its carbon footprint through fuel-savings technology and improvements in operating efficiencies. In a statement, NS said it plans to lower its greenhouse gas emissions per revenue ton-mile 10% by 2014, compared with 2009 emissions. “Establishing this goal is an important step toward fulfillment of Norfolk Southern’s objective to achieve industry leadership inenvironmentally responsible business practices,” said Blair Wimbush, vice president real estate and corporate sustainability officer. “Disclosing our carbon footprint last year was the first step. Now, we move forward with an aggressive yet realistic goal, and we have the tools to measure our progress toward attaining it.” In 2009, Norfolk Southern transported 158.5 billion ton-miles of freight, producing 4.7 million metric tons of greenhouse gases, mostly from diesel-burning locomotives. Emissions per revenue ton-mile were 30.0 grams. Using 2009 as the baseline and at the same traffic level, a 10% reduction of emissions—to 27.0 grams per revenue ton-mile—would result in 475,000 fewer metric tons going into the atmosphere annually by 2014.Wimbush said the company's emissions reduction strategy will focus on ways to achieve better fuel economy, including purchase of new, more fuel-efficient locomotives; continued deployment of idle-reduction and trainhandling technologies; and refined engine maintenance practices. Further efforts will address direct and indirect emissions from energy used for heating, cooling, and lighting buildings and other facilities on the railroad. Nearing completion is a systemwide lighting upgrade that is reducing electricity consumption, and the company continues to adjust its nonrail vehicle fleet to save fuel and emissions. In addition, Norfolk Southern expects significant efficiency gains from its major infrastructure improvement projects, such as the Heartland and Crescent corridors.Earlier this week, NS’s Heartland Corridor Clearance Improvement Project was awarded the 2010 Dr. William W. Hay Award for Excellence during the American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association (AREMA) Annual Conference and Exposition in Orlando, Fla.