Norfolk Southern Honors Rail Suppliers for Sustainability Efforts

Norfolk Southern Railway has honored 13 of its customers and suppliers with its fourth annual Thoroughbred Sustainability Partner Awards, recognizing leading efforts in energy efficiency, innovation, and environmental stewardship throughout 2025. The prestigious awards highlight companies demonstrating measurable progress and a commitment to sustainable practices within the railway industry.

Main Body:

The selection process for the 2025 Thoroughbred Sustainability Partner Awards involved a rigorous review by a cross-departmental team at Norfolk Southern. Applications were evaluated for quantifiable achievements and the innovative nature of sustainability initiatives undertaken by NS customers and suppliers. The aim is to foster a collaborative environment that drives environmental responsibility across the supply chain.

Award Recipients and Categories

In the Energy Efficiency Award category, four companies were recognized: Cemex, Eco Material Technologies, Fastenal Co., and Wabtec Corp. These organizations have implemented impactful strategies to reduce energy consumption in their operations, aligning with the railway’s broader goals for a greener future.

The Innovation Award celebrated companies pushing the boundaries of sustainable technology and processes. Recipients include Eco-Energy Global Biofuels, J.B. Hunt, Loram Maintenance of Way, Outokumpu Stainless USA, Phillips 66, Schneider, and Wabtec Corp. Their forward-thinking approaches are vital for advancing the industry’s environmental performance.

For exceptional commitment to the environment, the Environmental Stewardship Award was presented to Darling Ingredients, Eco Material Technologies, Hub Group Inc., and NARSTCO. These companies have demonstrated outstanding dedication to minimizing their ecological footprint and promoting sustainable practices.

Industry Context

The recognition of these leading companies underscores a significant industry trend towards greater sustainability. As supply chains face increasing pressure from regulatory bodies, investors, and the public to reduce their environmental impact, initiatives like Norfolk Southern’s Thoroughbred Sustainability Partner Awards serve as a crucial benchmark. By highlighting best practices in energy efficiency, innovation, and stewardship, NS is not only acknowledging its partners but also encouraging wider adoption of sustainable solutions that can lead to operational cost savings and enhanced corporate reputation across the entire logistics and manufacturing sectors.