Environmental Sustainability

America’s Most Modern Gateway

Sustainability in Action

At The Port of Virginia, cargo moves with the lowest carbon emissions per TEU on the U.S. East Coast. Since 2017, cargo volumes have increased, but our fuel use and carbon emissions have both decreased as a result of integrating electric equipment and assets. 

75%

Overall reduction in carbon emissions

80%

Reduction in CO2e per TEU

56%

Less fuel used per TEU

24%

Increase in total TEUs

All data is compared to 2017 baseline. Fuel includes both diesel and gasoline fuel.

The Industry Leader

Committed to being a responsible business and environmental partner.

Powered by 100% Clean Energy

The Port of Virginia is powering all terminals with electricity from clean resources – accelerating our goal to become net-zero by 2040. Using clean electricity helps the port offset our carbon footprint by reducing carbon emissions by 45% per container. We are the first port on the U.S. East Coast to be powered by 100% clean energy.

Shipping Sustainably Starts with Choosing the Right Partners

The Port of Virginia and Norfolk Southern are collaborating to launch RailGreen, the nation’s first program allowing customers to offset rail emissions by purchasing certificates that support biofuel use in freight locomotives. It’s a new way to enhance sustainability and efficiency in your supply chain.

How it works:

1

Norfolk Southern uses biofuels to generate RailGreen certificates

2

Customers buy certificates to reduce their supply chain emissions

3

More purchases = more biofuels in use

Elizabeth River Project
River Star Business Award
Norfolk Southern
Thoroughbred Sustainability Partner