Norfolk Southern recognized as a CDP Supplier Engagement Leader

Norfolk Southern Corporation has earned a spot on CDP’s 2021 Supplier Engagement Leaderboard. Norfolk Southern was recently recognized with an A- climate change rating in CDP’s highest rated tier, the Leadership Level. CDP is the leading carbon disclosure system for the global business community.

Companies responding to the full version of CDP’s climate change questionnaire receive a Supplier Engagement Rating (SER), in addition to their climate change score. The assessment reflects how effectively companies work with their supplier network to address climate change. Participants with the best SER are celebrated as Supplier Engagement Leaders – which this year is the top 8% of companies who disclosed to the full climate questionnaire

“Norfolk Southern delivers for both the U.S. supply chain, and for the low-carbon economy with sustainable shipping solutions. We’re honored to be recognized by CDP as a member of the elite 2021 Supplier Engagement Leaderboard,” said Josh Raglin, chief sustainability officer for Norfolk Southern. “Our company knows the importance of leveraging technology and smart operating practices to achieve our robust climate goals, in alignment with the larger freight transportation industry. This accomplishment shows our long-term commitment not only in the business of moving freight, but also in the business of a better planet.”

This ranking compliments Norfolk Southern’s ongoing sustainability initiatives, including setting a science-based target to achieve a 42% reduction in scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions intensity by 2034 and issuing $500 million of green bonds to fund eligible green projects. Norfolk Southern improved locomotive fuel efficiency by 7% over the past two years, saving around 47 million gallons of diesel and avoiding over 470,000 metric tons of GHG emissions. 

“Our data shows that companies currently have blinkers on when it comes to assessing their indirect impacts and engaging with suppliers to reduce them. Companies must act urgently to cascade action and manage environmental impacts throughout their supply chains to scale the level of action to secure a 1.5°C future,” said Sonya Bhonsle, global head of value chains and regional director corporations for CDP. “Many congratulations to the 500+ companies earning a place on CDP's 2021 Supplier Engagement Leaderboard. As a Supplier Engagement Leader, Norfolk Southern is a trailblazer driving the transition towards a sustainable net-zero future.”

CDP is a non-profit organization that administers the most widely used carbon disclosure ratings across the world. Norfolk Southern was among the early companies to begin voluntarily reporting its greenhouse gas emissions in 2009.