MNN - Mother Nature Network

Norfolk Southern (NS) recently became the U.S. Green Building Council’s first Class I railroad member. As part of its membership, Norfolk Southern will be pursuing LEED certification for three of its proposed terminals: Birmingham, Ala.; Greencastle, Pa.; and Memphis, Tenn. These tunnels will be part of the Crescent Corridor Intermodal Freight Program.

 

“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.” Source: Norfolk Southern

 

Gov. Ed Rendell of Pennsylvania, Gov. Bob Riley of Alabama, and Gov. Phil Bredesen of Tennessee each praised Norfolk Southern for joining the USGBC. The governors have embraced the Norfolk Southern Crescent Corridor Program and the pursuit of LEED certifications as important steps to expanding their individual state’s green economies.

 

Joining the USGBC is just the latest environmentally friendly step that NS has taken. The company has a longstanding commitment to sustainability with information available on the Norfolk Southern footprints website.

 

NS is experimenting with a 1,500-horsepower electric locomotive that utilizes rechargeable batteries, upgraded lighting in 600 buildings to more energy-efficient products, has implemented a locomotive idle reduction policy, and continues to score well in corporate sustainability surveys.