Norfolk Southern has earned the Toyota Logistics Services’ (TLS) Environmental Leadership Award for its inaugural Climate Transition Plan (CTP) and the Kaizen Award for continuous improvement across the organization. The Environmental Leadership Awards are given to organizations that demonstrate outstanding environmental programs and activities solving key problems with creative approaches.

Rooted in Norfolk Southern’s deep understanding of climate science, the CTP aims to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions with a focus on transitioning to a low-carbon economy. This recognition validates our industry-leading commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability.

In 2021, Norfolk Southern set a science-based target to reduce its scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions intensity by 42% by 2034, using 2019 as the baseline year. At the core of the CTP are initiatives focused on fuel management, biofuel consumption, and increased renewable energy usage.

In 2023, Norfolk Southern completed four service improvement projects following the eight-step Kaizen approach. Kaizen is a Japanese business philosophy for continuous improvement using an eight-step problem solving model. This philosophy is the framework for Toyota Business Practices (TBP) that Toyota members are encouraged to use when problem solving.

“As a leading provider of freight-rail service, Norfolk Southern recognizes our responsibility to lead the industry towards more sustainable practices and to always seek a better way to do things,” said Norfolk Southern Chief Sustainability Officer Josh Raglin. "We are honored to be recognized by Toyota for our efforts to create a better future for our customers, employees, and the communities we serve.”

These awards add to a growing list of sustainability related awards and recognitions. Earlier this year, Norfolk Southern earned a place on USA TODAY's America's Climate Leaders 2024 list for the second consecutive year. Norfolk Southern previously won the TLS Environmental Leadership Award in 2021 for fuel efficiency programs.

To access the full CTP and Norfolk Southern’s new “Forging a Better Tomorrow” report, visit here.