CN reports lowering emissions, train accident frequency

In CN's 2024 Delivering Responsibly Report, issued Dec. 2, the company describes that it reduced emissions output, lowered train accident frequency and logged over 1 million hours of employee training.

The 10th annual report outlines CN's progress toward sustainability goals and safety initiatives. Highlights included a 4% improvement over 2023 in Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions intensity. CN also increased its renewable fuel use to nearly 10% of all fuel used, according to a CN press release.

The Class I achieved its second-best injury performance in company history, second only to 2023, at 1.06 injuries per 200,000 person-hours. Train accident frequency fell 8% over 2023 to 1.66 accidents per million train miles, according to the report. Both safety ratios are on track to meet their 2030 reduction benchmarks, CN officials said.

Also in 2024, CN deployed new behavior-based safety training to reduce risks for front-line supervisors, improved employee wellness programs and made accessibility upgrades to more than 30 facilities across Canada. The company contributed C$20 million to community initiatives and trained 97% of its procurement and supply management team on sustainable procurement, CN officials said.

The Globe and Mail also ranked CN first among 215 companies on the S&P/TSX Composite Index, the benchmark Canadian stock market index, for governance practices.

Along with the report, CN announced the 2025 EcoConnexions Partnership Program recipients, a list of 34 shippers, suppliers and supply chain partners who are helping drive progress on climate action, reduce environmental impact and promote responsible business practices, CN officials said. The full list can be read here.