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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.
61
DitchCarbon score
+40 vs industry average
Canadian National Railway’s score of 61 is higher than 80% 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 – 2027
20202021202220232024202520262027
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, headquartered in Canada, reported total carbon emissions of approximately 7.09 billion kg CO2e in 2024. This figure includes Scope 1 emissions of around 4.84 billion kg CO2e, Scope 2 emissions of about 70.91 million kg CO2e (market-based), and Scope 3 emissions of approximately 2.20 billion kg CO2e. Key categories within Scope 3 include capital goods at 441.60 million kg CO2e, purchased goods and services at 183.17 million kg CO2e, waste generated in operations at 35.99 million kg CO2e, and fuel- and energy-related activities at 1.43 billion kg CO2e.
Canadian National Railway is committed to ambitious climate action, with Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) approved goals. The company aims to reduce Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions intensity by 43% per gross ton mile by 2030, using a 2019 baseline. Furthermore, Canadian National Railway targets a 40% reduction in Scope 3 GHG emissions intensity from fuel- and energy-related activities by 2030, also against a 2019 baseline. The company has also set a long-term net-zero target, committing to reduce absolute Scope 1, 2, and 3 GHG emissions by 90% by 2050 from a 2019 base year, aligning with a 1.5°C scenario.
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Canadian National Railway’s Climate Goals (2030 & 2050)
8 goals2050
90% reduction in Scope 2
CN commits to reduce absolute scope 2 GHG emissions 90% by 2050 from a 2019 base year.
At risk90%
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…
At risk27.5%
2050
90% reduction in scope 3 total
CN commits to reduce absolute scope 3 GHG emissions 90% by 2050 from a 2019 base year.
Behind target90%
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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
6 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 Railway5 months ago
61
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Frequently asked questions
Common questions about Canadian National Railway’s sustainability data and climate commitments
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