CN report charts progress on sustainability measures

CN yesterday released its "2024 Sustainability Data Supplement," which outlines the Class I's progress toward its sustainability goals.

Among the report's highlights, CN reported that in 2024:

• it reduced its total absolute Scope 1, 2 and 3 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 4% from 2023. So far, CN has made a 27% progress toward its 2030 science-based target for Scope 1 and 2;
• operational safety improved, with a near 8% reduction in the accident rate from 2023. However, the personal injury frequency rate increased by 8% from 2023, highlighting areas for continued focus;
• the railroad launched its inaugural Indigenous Reconciliation Action Plan (IRAP), outlining 16 measurable commitments for advancing reconciliation over the next three years, in Canada; and
• it distributed over $15 billion in direct economic value across Canada and the United States.

"At CN, sustainability isn’t a separate track — it’s part of how we run the railroad," said CN President and CEO Tracy Robinson in a press release. "From reducing emissions to investing in innovation, we’re taking clear, measurable steps that matter."

Also yesterday, CN announced that for the 17th consecutive year it has been named to the Corporate Knights Best 50 Corporate Citizens list. To determine the ranking, Corporate Knights analyzed 344 large Canadian organizations against Canadian and global industry peers on 25 quantitative key performance indicators covering resource management, employee management, financial management, sustainable revenue and sustainable investment and supplier performance, CN officials said.