Norfolk Southern funds nearly $500 million in sustainability projects

Initiatives include DC-to-AC locomotive power conversions, intermodal facility improvements

A black train travels by a field of wildflowers.

Norfolk Southern funded $496 mllion toward sustainability-related projects in 2021. (Photo: Jim Allen/FreightWaves)

Norfolk Southern funded nearly $500 million for sustainability-related projects in 2021 through the issuance of its green bonds.

The projects, some directly related to sustainability and some that include sustainability as an end result, include:

The $496 million in funding for these projects came from NS’ (NYSE: NSC) issuance of green bonds in 2021. An overview of the funded projects is available here.

“Sustainability is in our company’s DNA. Our industry-first green bond offering funds projects that align our efforts to reduce carbon emissions and advance sustainable business practices, all while delivering long-term value for our customers, communities and shareholders,” said NS CFO Mark George.


The publication of the report follows other recent sustainability-related initiatives at NS. In March, the railroad revamped a carbon calculator that helps customers and shippers gauge the carbon emissions their shipments produced, and in December 2021, the company said it would be partnering with railcar manufacturer Greenbrier (NYSE: GBX) and U.S. Steel to work on producing a more sustainable gondola car in anticipation of the eventual retirement of the existing fleet.

Subscribe to FreightWaves’ e-newsletters and get the latest insights on freight right in your inbox.

Click here for more FreightWaves articles by Joanna Marsh.


Exit mobile version