A new program from Norfolk Southern Corporation (NSC) will allow customers to reduce emissions from their freight rail shipments.
The first-of-its kind program, RailGreen makes NSC the only freight railroad in the world to offer certificates verifying supply chain emission reductions.
“Rail is already the most sustainable way to transport goods over land. RailGreen takes emissions savings to the next level,” Ed Elkins, Norfolk Southern EVP & Chief Commercial Officer, said. “RailGreen reduces customers’ emissions, increases our biofuel use and solves a long-term industry challenge.”
While shipping by rail reduces emissions by 75 percent on average over shipping by truck, RailGreen will allow shippers to address the remaining 25 percent of emissions, officials said. Developed in collaboration with 123Carbon, the program will help company’s track and tackle emissions within their supply chain. Using 123Carbon’ blockchain-backed Environmental Attribute Certificates (EACs), NSC will be able to certify that each ton of reduced CO2 emissions is uniquely tracked to prevent double counting, officials said.
NSC said its use of third-party certified biofuel will generate a RailGreen certificate that its customers can purchase to apply toward their supply chain emissions. As customers purchase certificates, NSC said it will acquire more low-carbon biofuel for use across its operations.
“We are proud to partner with Norfolk Southern to deliver verified, transparent emissions reduction to the freight rail industry,” Jeroen Van Heningen, 123Carbon’s managing director, said. “RailGreen represents a groundbreaking shift by providing real, measurable supply chain decarbonization for freight rail. Our blockchain-backed Environmental Attribute Certificates ensure every ton of reduced CO₂e is uniquely tracked and accounted for, providing shippers with confidence and credibility needed to meet their sustainability goals.”