Norfolk Southern's resolve to be environmentally responsible is reflected in its policy and in the adoption of environmental awareness as one of the key elements in the Thoroughbred Quality process.
Everyone must use the nation's resources efficiently and with the lowest possible impact on land, air and water quality. Rail transportation helps achieve that goal by providing exceptional transportation value in an environmentally friendly manner. Railroads are the safest, cleanest and most energy-efficient manner in which to move freight.
In the U.S., railroads have fewer than one-tenth the number of incidents with hazardous materials than trucks, though both modes carry roughly the same amount of these materials. A train can move a ton of freight three times farther than a truck using the same amount of fuel. And, trains have fewer air emissions than trucks. A California study found that, when transporting an equivalent amount of freight, trains emit one-tenth the diesel particulates and hydrocarbons of trucks, and one-third the nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide. The Conrail transaction is expected to save more than 80 million gallons of fuel annually and help reduce highway congestion by some 782 million fewer truck miles per year.
While the overall environmental benefits of this historic transaction are significant, Norfolk Southern's commitment to the environment and the communities in which it operates will depend on the commitment of every NS employee. At Norfolk Southern, all employees participate in "Our World, Our Choice," a training series on environmental compliance and protection. Company policy requires all employees to understand and comply with the environmental requirements of their jobs. The policy calls for:
The roots of environmental concern run deeper at Norfolk Southern than mere compliance. More than a decade before the first Earth Day, NS had wastewater treatment facilities for removing pollutants from water used in industrial processes. Other longstanding NS conservation practices include the collection and recycling of crossties, tires, paper, metal, aluminum and railcar parts. Used rail is rewelded to new life. Lubricating oil and cleaning solvents are rejuvenated and reused. Since 1988, more than 16,000 railcars have been rebodied. And NS laboratories are testing composite materials for environmentally friendly rail cars of the future.
The environmental focus of Norfolk Southern is about conserving the natural resources while harvesting them safely and intelligently. It's about leveraging the environmental advantages of rail transportation into business opportunities. And it's about ensuring continued success by protecting that which makes success possible. By sharing the best practices of NS and Conrail, Norfolk Southern will make an environmentally safe transport system even safer.
"Norfolk Southern's greatest power to move forward lies in the minds, hearts and hands of our employees," said David R. Goode, chairman, president and CEO. "Each must act as a crusader for safety, conservation and a cleaner environment."