UP unveils plan to achieve GHG emission reduction targets

Union Pacific Railroad yesterday published its first comprehensive climate action plan outlining its approach to driving climate action and responding to emerging risks affecting the rail industry.

The Class I also announced its commitment to achieve net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050.

"As the world takes action to address climate change, Union Pacific is taking thoughtful and deliberate steps to improve our environmental footprint," said Chairman, President and CEO Lance Fritz in a press release. "We experience first-hand the effects of climate change and are urgently working toward our shared sustainable future."

In February, UP received approval from the Science Based Targets Initiative for its target to reduce absolute Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions from its operations by 26% by 2030 from a 2018 baseline. The approved target aligns with what climate scientists say is needed to meet the Paris Agreement, limiting global warming to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels and pursuing efforts to limit warming to 1.5°C.

UP's plan highlights the following steps to reduce GHG emissions:

• Improve operational efficiency and minimize fuel consumption with a more efficient locomotive fleet and energy management technology;
• Promote rail as the environmentally preferable surface transportation solution and explore emerging supply chain circularity opportunities;
• Decarbonize UP's environmental footprint by increasing the use of low-carbon fuels and innovating with alternative propulsion methods and nature-based solutions; and
• Engage stakeholders and harness Union Pacific's influence to develop and advance rail- and climate-friendly policies.

For more details about UP's sustainability plan, click here.