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Canadian National Railway (CN) is a leading provider of railway transportation services in Canada, with its headquarters situated in Montreal, Quebec. As one of North America’s largest rail networks, CN operates extensively across Canada and into the United States, facilitating the efficient movement of freight across key regions.
Founded in 1919, CN has established itself as a vital backbone of Canada's economy, offering comprehensive rail freight solutions that include bulk commodities, intermodal containers, and automotive shipments. Its extensive infrastructure and innovative logistics services set it apart in the railway industry, enabling reliable and sustainable transportation.
With a strong market position and a history of strategic growth, Canadian National Railway continues to play a crucial role in connecting industries and communities, maintaining its reputation as a leader in railway transportation services in North America.
68
DitchCarbon score
+47 vs industry average
Canadian National Railway’s score of 68 is higher than 84% of the industry. This can give you a sense of how well the company is doing compared to its peers.
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Industry Intensity
Very High
Rail Transport is among the most carbon-intensive industries
Industry performance
0.578
20182025
The Rail Transport industry has reduced its overall emissions by 26% since 2018
Emissions trajectory 2020 – 2028
202020212022202320242025202620272028
Reported emissions
Scope 1
•••kg CO₂e
Scope 2
•••kg CO₂e
Scope 3
•••kg CO₂e
Total reported
•••kg CO₂e
Scope 3 accounts for ••• of total emissions.
Canadian National Railway's reported carbon emissions
Canadian National Railway (CN), headquartered in Canada and operating in railway transportation services, has reported its carbon emissions and climate commitments.
For 2025, CN's reported emissions include approximately 4.06 billion kg CO2e for Scope 1 (mobile combustion) and about 93.02 million kg CO2e for Scope 2 (total location-based). Scope 3 emissions related to fuel and energy activities were approximately 1.26 billion kg CO2e.
Looking back to 2024, Scope 1 mobile combustion emissions were approximately 4.11 billion kg CO2e, Scope 2 total location-based emissions were about 86.36 million kg CO2e, and Scope 3 fuel and energy related activities accounted for approximately 1.25 billion kg CO2e.
In 2023, CN's total reported emissions were approximately 7.38 billion kg CO2e. This included around 4.31 billion kg CO2e for Scope 1 (mobile combustion) and about 93.76 million kg CO2e for Scope 2 (total location-based). Scope 3 emissions for 2023 included approximately 506.69 million kg CO2e from capital goods, about 201.64 million kg CO2e from purchased goods and services, roughly 1.33 billion kg CO2e from fuel and energy-related activities, and approximately 65.34 million kg CO2e from upstream transportation and distribution.
CN has set Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) approved near-term and long-term climate targets. The company commits to reducing Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 43% per gross ton mile by 2030, using a 2019 base year. Additionally, CN aims to reduce Scope 3 GHG emissions from fuel and energy-related activities by 40% per gross ton mile by 2030, also from a 2019 base year. For its overall long-term ambition, CN has committed to a net-zero target by 2050, aiming for a 90% absolute reduction in Scope 1, 2, and 3 GHG emissions by 2050 compared to a 2019 base year. This long-term target is aligned with a 1.5°C scenario. CN has stated that at the end of 2024, it achieved 27% progress towards its 2030 target for Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions.
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Canadian National Railway’s Climate Goals (2030 & 2050)
6 goals2050
90% reduction in all scopes
Canadian National Railway commits to reduce absolute scope 1, 2, and 3 GHG emissions 90% by 2050 from a 2019 base year.
On track90%
2030
27.5% reduction in scope 3 total
CN also commits to reduce all other absolute scope 3 GHG emissions from fuel and energy related activities 27.5% by 2030 from a 2019 base ye…
On track27.5%
2050
Canadian National Railway Company commits to reach net-zero…
Canadian National Railway Company commits to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions across the value chain by 2050.
On track0%
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Showing SBTi-validated targets only. Sign up or sign in to see all disclosed climate targets.
Scope 3 top emissions categories
1 of 15 categories disclosedSee all scope 3 categories
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Climate initiatives
Science Based Targets Initiative
2030 targetSee details
Active
Carbon Disclosure Project
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Active
The Climate Pledge
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Not active
UN Global Compact Climate Champions initiative
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Active
RE 100
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Not active
Climate Action 100
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Not active
Emissions comparison with industry peers
View similar organisationsCompanyCountryIndustryLast updatedScoreDetails
Canadian National Railway1 day ago
68
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Frequently asked questions
Common questions about Canadian National Railway’s sustainability data and climate commitments
In 2023, Canadian National Railway (CN) reported total carbon emissions of approximately 7.38 billion kg CO2e. The company has set ambitious climate targets, including a commitment to reduce Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by roughly 43% per gross ton mile by 2030, using a 2019 base year. Furthermore, CN aims for a substantial long-term goal of a 90% absolute reduction in Scope 1, 2, and 3 GHG emissions by 2050, aligning with a 1.5°C scenario. As of the end of 2024, CN reported achieving approximately 27% progress towards its 2030 Scope 1 and 2 emissions target.
Data year: 2023
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