(The following story by Kathy Adams appeared on The Virginian-Pilot website on October 2.)
NORFOLK, Va. In 2007, Norfolk Southern Corp. recycled 179,000 tons of metal, reduced carbon emissions by 76 million pounds by upgrading lighting systems and won a national award for safe handling of hazardous materials.
It also paid $8.2 million in environmental penalties and reported 370 injuries and two work-related fatalities, according to the Norfolk-based railroad's first sustainability report, released Wednesday.
The report is the first task completed by the company's sustainability team led by Blair Wimbush, the railroad industry's first corporate-sustainability officer, according to the report. It highlights the railroad's environmental initiatives, safety record, community impact and employee benefits, training and diversity.
"We believe it is our responsibility to conduct our business in accordance with sustainability practices that will help to provide ongoing opportunities for our people, our communities, our customers and our investors," said Wick Moorman, the company's president, chairman and chief executive officer, in the report. "Our goal is to achieve industry leadership in fuel conservation, emissions reduction, efficient energy use, recycling, use of renewable materials and environmental partnerships."
