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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 (CN), headquartered in Canada and operating in railway transportation services, 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: 110.78 million kg CO2e; location-based: 86.36 million kg CO2e), and Scope 3 emissions totalling approximately 2.20 billion kg CO2e. Key contributors to Scope 3 emissions were fuel and energy-related activities (1.43 billion kg CO2e), capital goods (441.60 million kg CO2e), and purchased goods and services (183.17 million kg CO2e).
Looking back, CN's total emissions were approximately 7.38 billion kg CO2e in 2023, and about 8.74 billion kg CO2e in 2019, which serves as a baseline for their climate targets.
CN has set several ambitious climate commitments:
- Near-Term Targets: The company aims to reduce Scope 1 and Scope 2 GHG emissions by 43% per million gross ton miles (GTMs) by 2030, compared to a 2019 base year. This Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) approved target aligns with a well-below 2°C scenario. Additionally, CN commits to a 40% reduction in Scope 3 GHG emissions from fuel and energy-related activities (from locomotive, truck, and vessel fleets) per gross ton mile by 2030, also from a 2019 base year. They also aim for a 27.5% absolute reduction in all other Scope 3 GHG emissions from fuel and energy-related activities by 2030 from a 2019 base year.
- Long-Term Targets: CN has committed to reaching net-zero greenhouse gas emissions across its value chain by 2050. This involves reducing absolute Scope 1, 2, and 3 GHG emissions by 90% by 2050 from a 2019 base year, a target also approved by the SBTi and consistent with the goals of the Paris Agreement.
The company's climate data and commitments are directly reported by Canadian National Railway Company and are not cascaded from a parent or related organisation. As of 2024, CN has achieved 27% progress towards its 2030 Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions intensity target.
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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%
See all 8 climate goals
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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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