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Yesterday, Norfolk Southern Corp. announced it set a five-year goal to reduce its carbon footprint through fuel-saving technologies and operating efficiencies.

NS plans to lower its greenhouse-gas emissions per revenue ton-mile 10 percent by 2014 compared with 2009 emissions.

In 2009, NS registered 158.5 billion ton-miles of freight, producing 4.7 million metric tons of greenhouse gases, mostly from diesel locomotives. Emissions per revenue ton mile totaled 30 grams. A 10 percent reduction of emissions — to 27 grams per revenue ton-mile — would result in 475,000 fewer metric tons released into the atmosphere by 2014, NS officials said in a prepared statement.

The Class I also plans to address direct and indirect emissions from energy used for heating, cooling and lighting buildings and other facilities. The railroad is nearing completion on a system-wide lighting upgrade designed to reduce electricity consumption. In addition, NS continues to adjust its non-rail vehicle fleet to save fuel and reduce emissions, according to the railroad.