The International Union of Railways (UIC) awarded Norfolk Southern the Sustainability Impact Award for achievements in climate change adaptation and resilience through our Living Shoreline restoration project in Lamberts Point, Virginia.

Norfolk Southern’s Living Shoreline conservation effort in Lamberts Point, Virginia.

Lamberts Point, a critical marine terminal serving railroad operations, faced flood risks as a result of significant and increasing rates of erosion at the nearby Elizabeth River shoreline. To stabilize the area and protect against issues related to climate change, Norfolk Southern partnered with the Elizabeth River Project to develop a Living Shoreline created with 2,300 cubic yards of sand, 24,000 marsh plantings, 2,000 cubic yards of stone, and 90 cubic yards of oysters.

This Living Shoreline is an environmental conservation effort that protects sustainable land and enhances biodiversity. Through this project, we have significantly improved water quality and reduced sedimentation by installing 20,600 oyster spat capable of filtering over 1 million gallons of water daily. Additionally, Norfolk Southern has implemented a stormwater recycling system at Lambert’s Point, collecting, treating, and reusing stormwater for business processes, saving the city 10 to 15 million gallons of water annually.

By working with the Elizabeth River Project, we transformed an erosion challenge into a sustainable solution that not only protects our rail infrastructure but also enhances local biodiversity and water quality while providing a revenue source. We will soon have nutrient credits for sale in the form of up to 1,115 pounds of phosphorus and 5,486 pounds of nitrogen reductions in the Lower James and Elizabeth River watershed. The revenue from the Nutrient Credits will offset restoration costs as well as provide a potential funding source for additional sustainability efforts or environmental stewardship projects.

“Our Living Shoreline project at Lamberts Point is a prime example of our commitment to environmental stewardship,” said MaryBeth Flournoy, Director of Industrial Development as she accepted the award on the railroad’s behalf. “This initiative reflects our belief that business success and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand.”

Daniel Dueren (left) and Marybeth Flournoy (right) accepted the award on behalf of Norfolk Southern in Berlin, Germany

“This recognition is a testament to our dedicated team and partners who collectively create environmental solutions with economic benefits,” said Josh Raglin, Chief Sustainability Officer. “We are proud of what we have achieved in Lamberts Point and how Norfolk Southern is leading the rail industry toward a greener, more sustainable future.”

Learn more about this project and our additional nature-based solutions.