NS lands LEED certification for Alabama terminal's administration building

The U.S. Green Building Council recently determined that Norfolk Southern Corp.'s administration building at the Birmingham Regional Intermodal Facility in McCalla, Ala., meets Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards.

The intermodal facility and two others recently constructed on NS' Crescent Corridor in Rossville, Tenn., and Greencastle, Pa., incorporate LEED best practices, such as features that conserve energy and water, reduce waste, lower greenhouse-gas emissions and improve indoor environmental health.

The Class I has implemented additional environmental and health-related measures at terminals, as well. For example, the McCalla facility features low-emission cranes and hostler tractors, and advanced gate and terminal automation technology that shortens wait time for trucks entering the terminal, NS officials said in a press release.

"LEED certification of our new McCalla intermodal building, along with other design features of facilities on our Crescent corridor … underscores Norfolk Southern's commitment to a sustainable business strategy benefiting our customers and the communities we serve," said Blair Wimbush, NS' vice president of real estate and corporate sustainability officer.