Norfolk Southern Corp. has joined USGBC

It has come to the knowledge that Norfolk Southern Corp. has joined the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and has become USGBC’s first Class I member as a result. What is S. Green Building Council (USGBC) then? It happens to be a non-profit organization that is engaged in the promotion of benefits of “green” buildings.

Aside from this it has also been learnt that as part of its planned Crescent Corridor domestic intermodal route, NS has committed to looking for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification for buildings that will be part of three proposed intermodal terminals in Birmingham, Ala., Greencastle, Pa., and Memphis, Tenn.

It is to be noted that LEED certification is based on accumulated points in five areas and these include sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor environmental quality.

NS has been integrating LEED standards into its building and planning designs, and applying sustainable operations throughout its facilities, including the use of low-emission cranes and tractors, according to the railroad. The Class I, in addition, is experimenting with new methods to reduce truck idling and implementing practices to reduce electricity usage at all facilities.

Before I go, let me share some info regarding green building. Green Building, also known as green construction or sustainable building, is the practice of creating structures and using processes that are environmentally responsible and resource-efficient throughout a building’s life-cycle: from siting to design, construction, operation, maintenance, renovation, and deconstruction. This practice expands and complements the classical building design concerns of economy, utility, durability, and comfort.