SUSTAINABILITY
Sustainability is part of who we are and what we do every single day. We recognize progress involves a balance of environmental stewardship, social responsibility and economic growth. We consider this as we work toward a vision of a world in which people’s basic needs – such as shelter, clean water, education and reliable energy – are fulfilled. We provide work environments, products, services and solutions that make productive and efficient use of resources as we strive to achieve our vision. We believe this commitment supports the enduring success of our customers, stockholders, dealers and our people.
Progress Rail, in conjunction with our parent company Caterpillar, shares the concerns of governments and the public about the risks of climate change and supports global efforts to mitigate its impact. We are committed to a reduced-carbon future, both in our operations and helping customers reach climate-related goals. Learn more about Caterpillar's commitment to sustainability in the report and infographic below.
Caterpillar, BNSF and Chevron Agree to Pursue Hydrogen Locomotive Demo
The goal of this demonstration is to confirm the feasibility and performance of hydrogen fuel for use as a viable alternative to traditional fuels for line-haul rail.
CN and Progress Rail Advance Sustainability Efforts
Renewable fuel blends present immediate opportunity to further reduce greenhouse gas emissions
WE STRIVE TO IMPROVE THE RAILWAY SUSTAINABILITY LIFECYCLE
- Rebuild, overhaul and repower locomotive options
- Modernization programs upgrade electrical and mechanical systems to extend the life of a locomotive by 10+ years
- Upgrades bring engines to current or beyond emissions standards, improve reliability and maximize fuel economy
- Reconditioning or repair services for freight cars and a wide range of components
- End-of-life locomotives and railcars can be recycled for other uses through Progress Rail’s scrap management services
- Grade recycled rail – or “relay rail” – and other track material to meticulous industry standards
One train can carry the freight of hundreds of trucks, which reduces highway congestion.*
Freight railroads are 3-4 times more fuel efficient than trucks, on average.*
Moving freight by train instead of truck reduces GHG emissions by up to 75%.*
Railroads account for roughly 40% of U.S. freight but only 1.9% of U.S. transport-related emissions.*
*From AAR, U.S. EPA, and Texas Transportation Institute data. View how the AAR is addressing climate change and sustainability here.
TECHNOLOGY LEADERSHIP
We have a wide variety of technology products and services built and offered to make railroads and our world more sustainable. These offerings help increase efficiency, save fuel, and ultimately reduce emissions.
DOWNLOAD ADVANCED ENERGY BROCHURE
SUSTAINABLE INFRASTRUCTURE
From rail takeup, to track, to signaling products, our infrastructure business strives to use sustainable products and processes. 75% of inputs being used for new rail products today are from recycled material. Almost 100% of rail products at end of life are recycleable or reusable. The usual life of a track panel can be extended another 25 years by recycling materials. Our asset protection signaling products help maintain products and prevent accidents from happening, like with our PowerView Hot Bearing/Wheel Detector.
RECYCLING
Progress Rail has strong roots in recycling – in fact, our business was founded on it. While we have broadened our industry expertise to cover the entire rail value chain, recycling is still the heartbeat of our company.
POSITIVE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF REPOWERED LOCOMOTIVES
A new locomotive requires about 100 tons of steel, producing 177 tons of CO2. However, with a 710ECO™ repower, that number drops to 31.86 tons of CO2.
That's an 82% decrease in the total CO2 emissions from manufacturing a new locomotive.
CUSTOMER SUCCESS STORIES
Rumo, Brazil - NitroMP Movement Planner
- Creates a realistic and long lasting operational plan through a DSS and can be integrated with Nitro solutions or any existing railroad solutions
- Immediate reaction to operational problems
- Planning up to more than 48 hours ahead
- Defines optimization levels by territory and function
- Defines medium and long term policies and investments
- Up to 13% capacity increase in network capacity
Norfolk Southern, Chicago & Atlanta
- Progress Rail has repowered 50 NS locomotives since 2008
- Lower Emissions
- Fuel Savings
- Operating Efficiencies
- Each 710ECO™ unit can replace two older, less-efficient locomotives
South American Mining Company, Vale
- EMD® Joule Battery Electric Locomotive
- Zero-Emission
- 3000 HP Battery Locomotive
- 120-ton Locomotive
- Currently pulling 9,000-ton trains
- 3 to 5 trains a day recharging every other day
- Super-silent cab
- Testing complete and locomotive is operating in revenue service
