Results from the railroad's first long-term climate scenario
analysis support plan to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions
by 2050.
OMAHA,
Neb., Nov. 15, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Union
Pacific Railroad today published its second comprehensive Climate
Action Plan, highlighting the significant and innovative steps
taken to address climate change, while outlining long-term
strategies to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and achieve net
zero by 2050.
"Last year, we embarked on a journey to improve our
environmental footprint and build a more sustainable economy for
generations to come," said Beth
Whited, executive vice president – Sustainability and
Strategy and chief human resource officer. "Our mission continues,
and we remain committed to finding and embracing bold solutions to
address climate change and achieve net-zero emissions."
Since the publication of its first Climate Action Plan in 2021,
Union Pacific has taken considerable steps to reduce its
environmental impact, including increasing use of low-carbon fuels
and reducing fuel consumption by more than 11 million gallons in
2021 compared with 2020.
Union Pacific also reaffirmed its commitment to reach net-zero
GHG emissions. Last month, Union Pacific joined the Business
Ambition for 1.5°C, an alliance of more than 3,000 companies
pledged to taking bold action to limit global warming to 1.5°C. As
part of that pledge, we committed to the Science Based Targets
Initiative (SBTi) to revalidate our short-term target in line with
the 1.5°C global warming scenario and develop a long-term,
science-based target to reach net-zero value chain GHG emissions by
2050.
In 2022, Union Pacific also conducted an extensive climate
scenario analysis to better understand the hypothetical impacts of
climate change on its operations, infrastructure, supply chains and
customers under both high- and low-carbon future scenarios. The
analysis is being used to evaluate and develop potential strategies
that address both future risks and opportunities arising from
climate change.
Additional highlights of Union Pacific's 2022 Climate Action
Plan include:
- Continued modernization of existing locomotives
-
- During 2021, Union Pacific continued modernizing its locomotive
fleet by upgrading 120 older units. These modernizations not only
improve locomotive reliability but make each unit up to 5% more
fuel efficient and emit approximately 53% less emissions.
- In 2022, Union Pacific announced the largest-ever investment in
modernized locomotives in rail industry history: an agreement with
Wabtec Corporation for 600 locomotive modernizations, worth more
than $1 billion.
- Plans to purchase new battery electric locomotives
-
-
- Union Pacific announced plans to purchase North America's largest carrier-owned fleet of
battery-electric locomotives for testing in freight yard operations
and are piloting this technology in its early adoption phase to
better understand how it could be deployed at scale in
operations.
- Increased use of renewable and biofuels
-
- Working together with locomotive and fuel suppliers, Union
Pacific increased its use of renewable diesel and biofuels. 2021
low-carbon fuel consumption rose to 3% of total diesel consumed, up
from 2.2% in 2020. As the end of 2022 approaches, this number is
climbing above 4%.
- Improved Energy Management System (EMS) utilization
-
- In 2021, Union Pacific's full-year fuel consumption rate
improved 1%, a new record low. This represents the third
consecutive year Union Pacific improved fuel consumption rate on a
year-over-year basis.
- By the end of 2022, EMS will have been implemented in
approximately three-quarters of Union Pacific's active road
fleet.
- The first U.S. railroad to formally support the Task Force
on Climate related Financial Disclosures (TCFD)
-
- This reinforces Union Pacific's commitment to transparent
disclosure. Union Pacific is committed to continuing to implement
the TCFD framework in its climate reporting.
"We must continue to be forward thinking in our initiatives to
see reductions in our absolute emissions. Climate change is caused
by human behavior and recognizing our community impact is
imperative," said Maqui Parkerson, vice president – Labor Relations
and Sustainability. "As a leader in the rail industry and critical
link in the supply chain, we will continue to strive to be a leader
in the overall climate solution."
For more detailed information about Union Pacific's commitments
and progress, visit its ESG website to read the Climate
Action Plan and its latest sustainability report, the 2021
Building America Report.
ABOUT UNION PACIFIC
Union Pacific (NYSE: UNP) delivers
the goods families and businesses use every day with safe, reliable
and efficient service. Operating in 23 western states, the company
connects its customers and communities to the global economy.
Trains are the most environmentally responsible way to move
freight, helping Union Pacific protect future generations. More
information about Union Pacific is available at www.up.com
www.up.com
www.facebook.com/unionpacific
www.twitter.com/unionpacific
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SOURCE Union Pacific Corporation