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 13,111,789,000 kg CO2e, with emissions distributed across various scopes: 1,882,380,000 kg CO2e from Scope 1, 970,543,000 kg CO2e from Scope 2, and a significant 10,258,866,000 kg CO2e from Scope 3. The company has set ambitious targets to reduce its emissions, aiming for a 30% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions for transport activities and a 50% reduction for construction sector activities by 2030, using 2015 as the baseline year. SNCF is also committed to achieving complete decarbonisation of its transport and building activities by 2050, with a goal of zero direct carbon emissions by the same year. This commitment encompasses all scopes of emissions, reflecting a comprehensive approach to climate action. Additionally, the company aims to reduce its GHG emissions within Scope 1 and 2 by 26% and Scope 3 emissions related to energy by 26% by 2030, with 2017 as the reference year. Overall, SNCF's climate commitments demonstrate a proactive stance towards sustainability and a significant reduction in carbon emissions, aligning with industry standards and global climate goals.
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.

