CSX Named Sustainability Leader by Dow Jones Sustainability Index and CDP

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Sept. 25, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Building on its track record of industry-leading sustainability projects and performance, CSX (NYSE: CSX) was recently named to three top sustainability leadership indices: the Dow Jones Sustainability Index for North America, the CDP S&P 500 Climate Disclosure Leadership Index 2014 and the CDP S&P 500 Climate Performance Leadership Index 2014.

"Sustainable growth is critical to the long-term success of our business and to our ability to meet America's increasing need for efficient, environmentally-friendly rail transportation," said Michael J. Ward, chairman, president and chief executive officer.  "These important recognitions highlight our ongoing commitment to conducting operations in an environmentally responsible manner and engaging actively in the communities that we serve."

CSX is the only U.S. railroad, and among just four transportation companies in total, recognized by the Dow Jones Sustainability Index for North America this year for leadership in sustainable business practices. In its fourth consecutive year on the index, CSX showed strong performance across the assessed criteria, specifically in the areas of customer relationship management, climate strategy, management of environmental policy issues, corporate citizenship and philanthropy, and risk and crisis management.

The index is a partnership between the Dow Jones Indexes and RobecoSAM Sustainability Assessments, which tracks the financial performance of the world's leading companies according to rigorous economic, environmental and social criteria. Launched in 1999, the DJSI is the first global sustainability benchmark for companies that prioritize environmental sustainability and social responsibility.

In addition, CSX was also recognized by CDP, the world's only global environmental disclosure system. CSX raised its Climate Disclosure Leadership Index performance score – a measure of a company's transparency on climate-related disclosures – to an all-time high this year, receiving a score of 98A. In addition, this is the fifth consecutive year that CSX has achieved a position on the Climate Performance Leadership Index, which evaluates how companies are measuring, verifying and managing their carbon footprints.

"CSX is dedicated to investing in the safe, reliable, environmentally-friendly rail network of the future to continue to drive profitable growth and shareholder value creation," said Fredrik Eliasson, executive vice president and chief financial officer. "This commitment to sustainable growth includes aggressive measurement and transparency to benefit shareholders and employees alike."

CDP's annual indices spotlight companies listed on the Standard & Poor's 500 Index (S&P 500) that have demonstrated a commitment to managing climate change by integrating it into their business strategy and taking actionable steps to mitigate climate-related risk. This year, the CDP S&P 500 Climate Change Report 2014 presents new analysis linking S&P 500 sustainability leaders with financial performance.  

In 2013, CSX achieved record-setting fuel efficiency and has reduced greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions intensity by 1.5 percent since 2011, bringing the company closer to its voluntary goal of reducing GHG emissions intensity by six to eight percent from 2011 levels by 2020. In addition, CSX provided more than $16 million to charitable organizations in 2013 and logged more than 25,000 volunteer hours working with national and local organizations to support safety, environmental, community and wellness initiatives across its 21,000 mile network.

To learn more about sustainability at CSX, view the company's most recent Corporate Social Responsibility Report at www.csxcsr.com.

About CSX
CSX, based in Jacksonville, Florida, is a premier transportation company. It provides rail, intermodal and rail-to-truck transload services and solutions to customers across a broad array of markets, including energy, industrial, construction, agricultural, and consumer products. For more than 185 years, CSX has played a critical role in the nation's economic expansion and industrial development. Its network connects every major metropolitan area in the eastern United States, where nearly two-thirds of the nation's population resides. It also links more than 240 short-line railroads and more than 70 ocean, river and lake ports with major population centers and small farming towns alike. More information about CSX Corporation and its subsidiaries is available at www.csx.com. Like us on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/OfficialCSX) and follow us on Twitter (http://twitter.com/CSX).

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