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4/18/2022
Union Pacific Railroad last week published its latest Building America Report, which includes an expanded approach to the Class I’s environmental, social and governance (ESG) strategy.
The report identifies the company’s ESG priorities and explains the company’s ongoing community support, supplier diversity and philanthropic initiatives.
This year's report includes results of UP’s formal survey of inside and outside stakeholders on their interests in ESG topics. The survey found that health, safety and well-being are the most important issues. In response, UP added "building responsible foundations" as the fifth "pillar" of its sustainability strategy.
"The responses helped us gain a deeper understanding of our impact on the communities we serve and enhance our ESG goals as we navigate the global landscape ahead," said UP Chairman, President and CEO Lance Fritz in a press release.
The additional pillar expands on UP’s emphasis on safety and addresses its most material ESG risks, while aligning with its commitment to meet the United Nations' sustainable development goals.
For example, new technologies like UP Vision, a visual management tool that pulls real-time train information and provides data needed to mitigate risk, play a crucial role in improving safety, UP officials said.
Another example is DigiCrew, which allows train crews to report their work using a digital, real-time process, which means more accurate information for improved decision-making. Union Pacific will roll out 12,000 devices to support DigiCrew in 2022.