SNCF, or Société Nationale des Chemins de fer Français, is a leading player in the European rail transport industry, headquartered in France. Established in 1938, SNCF has evolved into a pivotal entity in the transportation sector, operating extensive rail networks across France and into neighbouring countries. The company offers a range of services, including high-speed trains, regional transport, and freight services, distinguished by their commitment to innovation and sustainability. Notable milestones include the launch of the TGV, which revolutionised rail travel with its speed and efficiency. SNCF holds a prominent market position, recognised for its reliability and customer service, making it a preferred choice for millions of passengers annually. With a focus on enhancing connectivity and reducing environmental impact, SNCF continues to shape the future of rail travel in Europe.
How does Sncf'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.
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.
Sncf's score of 59 is higher than 77% of the industry. This can give you a sense of how well the company is doing compared to its peers.
In 2024, SNCF reported total greenhouse gas emissions of approximately 13.1 billion kg CO2e, comprising 1.9 billion kg CO2e from Scope 1, 970 million kg CO2e from Scope 2, and about 10.3 billion kg CO2e from Scope 3 emissions. The previous year, 2023, saw total emissions of approximately 12.9 billion kg CO2e, with Scope 1 emissions at 1.8 billion kg CO2e, Scope 2 at 1.6 billion kg CO2e, and Scope 3 at about 9.5 billion kg CO2e. SNCF has set ambitious climate commitments, aiming for zero direct carbon emissions by 2050. This long-term target encompasses all scopes of emissions. Additionally, the company has committed to reducing its GHG emissions within Scope 1 and 2 by 30% for transport activities and 50% for construction sector business by 2030, using 2015 as the baseline year. Furthermore, SNCF aims to reduce Scope 3 emissions related to energy by 26% by 2030, also referencing 2017 as the baseline. These initiatives reflect SNCF's dedication to achieving carbon neutrality and addressing climate change through significant emission reduction strategies.
Access structured emissions data, company-specific emission factors, and source documents
| 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2019 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scope 1 | 1,660,782,000 | 000,000,000 | 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 | 722,748,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | - | - | - | 0,000,000,000 | 000,000,000 |
| Scope 3 | 583,235,000 | - | - | - | 0,000,000,000 | 0,000,000,000 | 0,000,000,000 | 00,000,000,000 |
Sncf's Scope 3 emissions, which increased by 8% last year and increased significantly since 2015, demonstrating supply chain emissions tracking. Most of their carbon footprint comes from suppliers and value chain emissions, with Scope 3 emissions accounting for 78% of total emissions under the GHG Protocol, with "Upstream Transportation & Distribution" being the largest emissions source at 36% of Scope 3 emissions.
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.
Sncf has not publicly committed to specific 2030 or 2050 climate goals through the major frameworks we track. Companies often set interim 2030 targets and long-term 2050 net-zero goals to demonstrate measurable progress toward decarbonization.

