CSX Climate Corps partnership pays off
Written by William C. Vantuono, Editor-in-ChiefCSX Wednesday announced measurable results of its participation in the Environmental Defense Fund’s 2011 Climate Corps program. The Climate Corps places trained graduate students in three-month fellowships with companies, cities, and universities to address climate issues, including reducing carbon emissions and improving energy efficiency.
“This year, CSX and a graduate student examined both the company’s railyard air compressors and the CSX Data Center in Jacksonville,” reported the railroad. “The fellow worked with CSX subject matter experts, financial planners, local utilities, and auditors to gather and analyze data for his projects. Using data from both the railyard and the data center, he helped CSX to identify potential cost savings of more than $1.2 million and greenhouse gas emissions savings of nearly 3,000 metric tons annually.”
“We’re ecstatic that our partnership with the Climate Corps has demonstrated such actionable results and we thank our EDF fellow, Naveen Venkataraman, for his dedication in helping us achieve our emissions reduction goals,” said Skip Elliott, vice president, public safety and environment, CSX. “Working with EDF strengthens CSX’s commitment to sustainability.’
Elliott said this year marks the second year CSX has participated in the Climate Corps program: “In 2010, the CSX Climate Corps fellow identified annual savings of $165,000, 1.5 million kWh of electricity (enough to power 140 homes), and 940 metric tons of CO2 (equivalent to removing 150 SUVs from the road).”
