The Port of Virginia has launched a collaboration with US railway company Norfolk Southern on its new RailGreen program that reduces supply chain emissions for shippers.
According to the announcement, with the first-of-its-kind emission reduction program for freight rail connecting to the East Coast’s most sustainable port, shippers now have the nation’s first “RailGreen Corridor” to conduct business.
Norfolk Southern runs daily service to and from the Virginia Inland Port (VIP) — The Port of Virginia’s intermodal terminal in Front Royal. VIP connects to the Virginia port terminals in Norfolk Harbor.
Norfolk Southern’s low-carbon biofuel use in locomotives generates RailGreen certificates. Customers purchase certificates to apply toward their supply chain emissions, and as customers purchase certificates, Norfolk Southern acquires more biofuel.
RailGreen builds on Norfolk Southern’s sustainable initiatives like increased biofuel, solar power for rail yards, and hybrid locomotives. The Port of Virginia is the East Coast’s first port to power all terminals with 100% clean energy, and cargo moves there with the lowest emissions on the coast.
Blockchain-backed Environmental Attribute Certificates from 123Carbon – the leading, independent book-and-claim platform – ensure each metric ton of reduced emissions is tracked to avoid double-counting. Third-party validation verifies carbon-reducing activities against international standards.
“Rail is already the most sustainable way to transport goods over land, and we’re not resting on that advantage. By working with The Port of Virginia, we’ve created a green-shipping solution for customers transporting goods to and from the coast,” stated Ed Elkins, Norfolk Southern EVP & Chief Commercial Officer.
