Railway Association of Canada highlights low emissions in 2022 report

The Railway Association of Canada (RAC) released its 2022 Locomotive Emissions Monitoring (LEM) report, highlighting advancements in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

Since 2005, freight railways’ GHG emissions intensity has reduced by 26.7%, and intercity passenger railways’ GHG emissions intensity has reduced by 28.1%, according to an RAC press release. In total, the association reports a 9% decrease in carbon monoxide emissions, 48% reduction in nitrogen oxides, 55% reduction is hydrocarbons, 61% decrease in particulate matter, and 99% reduction in sulphur dioxide.

In 2022, railways invested C$2.4 billion into their Canadian networks; over the past 10 years, the total is more than C$21.5 billion, RAC reports.

“Encouraging innovation and collaboration in sustainable rail technologies will contribute to meeting Canada’s sustainability targets and is key to ensuring the long-term prosperity of our country’s supply chains,” said RAC President and CEO Marc Brazeau.