Norfolk Southern Corporation has launched RailGreen, a new program that allows customers to reduce their supply chain emissions by purchasing verified emissions reduction certificates. This is the first time a freight railroad has offered this kind of program, which uses third-party certified Environmental Attribute Certificates (EACs) to verify emissions reductions from the use of low-carbon biofuels.
Rail transport already reduces emissions by about 75% compared to trucking. RailGreen enables shippers to account for the remaining 25% of emissions by applying Norfolk Southern’s emissions savings directly to their own supply chains. Certificates are issued using blockchain-backed technology from 123Carbon, ensuring traceability and transparency.
“Rail is already the most sustainable way to transport goods over land. RailGreen takes emissions savings to the next level,” said Ed Elkins, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer at Norfolk Southern.
As Norfolk Southern uses more low-carbon biofuels, it generates certified emissions reductions. These reductions are converted into RailGreen certificates, which customers can purchase and apply toward their own carbon reduction goals. The program is designed to be scalable and is available across Norfolk Southern’s 22-state network, including its intermodal services.
Certificates are verified to international standards and prevent double counting through blockchain tracking. Third-party validation ensures accuracy and compliance.
While RailGreen is the first program of its kind in the rail industry, other transportation companies are also investing in emissions reduction strategies:
RailGreen is one part of Norfolk Southern’s wider push to reduce its environmental impact. The company has more than doubled its use of biofuels since 2022, joined the Clean Fuels Alliance America, increased transport of biofuels and feedstocks, and deployed new fuel-efficiency technologies.
