Canadian National Railway Sustainability Profile
Canadian National Railway (CN) is a leading North American transportation and logistics company headquartered in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Founded in 1919, CN has established itself as a vital player in the rail industry, operating a vast network that spans Canada and parts of the United States. The company primarily focuses on freight transportation, offering services in intermodal, bulk commodities, and automotive sectors. CN's unique integrated supply chain solutions and commitment to sustainability set it apart in the competitive landscape. With a strong market position, CN has achieved numerous accolades, including recognition for operational efficiency and safety. As a cornerstone of the Canadian economy, Canadian National Railway continues to drive innovation and growth in the transportation sector.
DitchCarbon Score
How does Canadian National Railway's carbon action stack up? DitchCarbon scores companies based on their carbon action and commitment to reducing emissions. Read about our methodology to learn more.
Industry Average
Mean score of companies in the Rail Transport industry. Comparing a company's score to the industry average can give you a sense of how well the company is doing compared to its peers.
Industry Benchmark
Canadian National Railway's score of 81 is higher than 90% of the industry. This can give you a sense of how well the company is doing compared to its peers.
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Canadian National Railway's reported carbon emissions
In 2024, Canadian National Railway (CNR) reported total greenhouse gas emissions of approximately 7,091,464,000 kg CO2e. This total includes Scope 1 emissions of approximately 4,822,195,520 kg CO2e, Scope 2 emissions of approximately 70,914,640 kg CO2e, and Scope 3 emissions of approximately 2,198,353,840 kg CO2e. CNR has set ambitious climate commitments, aiming to reduce absolute Scope 1, 2, and 3 GHG emissions by 90% by 2050, using 2019 as the baseline year. Additionally, the company has established a near-term target to reduce Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 43% per gross ton mile by 2030, also based on 2019 levels. For Scope 3 emissions, CNR aims for a 40% reduction per gross ton mile by 2030, alongside a commitment to reduce all other absolute Scope 3 emissions from fuel and energy-related activities by 27.5% by the same year. CNR's climate strategy aligns with the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi), which has approved these targets, reflecting a commitment to limiting global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius. The company is also a signatory to the "Business Ambition for 1.5°C," reinforcing its commitment to achieving net-zero emissions across its value chain by 2050.
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| 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scope 1 | 5,339,172,000 | 0,000,000,000 | 0,000,000,000 | 0,000,000,000 | 0,000,000,000 | 0,000,000,000 | 0,000,000,000 | 0,000,000,000 | 0,000,000,000 | 0,000,000,000 |
| Scope 2 | 193,613,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 00,000,000 | 00,000,000 | 00,000,000 |
| Scope 3 | 2,578,190,000 | 0,000,000,000 | 0,000,000,000 | 0,000,000,000 | 0,000,000,000 | 0,000,000,000 | 0,000,000,000 | 0,000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 0,000,000,000 |
How Carbon Intensive is Canadian National Railway's Industry?
How Carbon Intensive is Canadian National Railway's Location?
Canadian National Railway's Scope 3 Categories Breakdown
Canadian National Railway's Scope 3 emissions, which increased by 184% last year and decreased by approximately 15% since 2015, demonstrating supply chain emissions tracking. A significant portion of their carbon footprint comes from suppliers and value chain emissions, with Scope 3 emissions accounting for 31% of total emissions under the GHG Protocol, with "Capital Goods" being the largest emissions source at 20% of Scope 3 emissions.
Top Scope 3 Categories
Canadian National Railway's Climate Goals (2030 & 2050)
Climate goals typically focus on 2030 interim targets and 2050 net-zero commitments, aligned with global frameworks like the Paris Agreement and Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) to ensure alignment with global climate goals.
Canadian National Railway has established climate goals through participation in recognized frameworks and target-setting initiatives. Companies often set interim 2030 targets and long-term 2050 net-zero goals to demonstrate measurable progress toward decarbonization.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Canadian National Railway's sustainability data and climate commitments