CN pushing sustainable agenda; improves fuel efficiency on rails 2.5 per cent while cutting waste

MONTREAL—The Canadian National Railway Co. continues to intensify its efforts to create a more sustainable rail network. The company has released its fifth sustainability report, which highlights the railroad’s higher fuel efficiency, as well as improved energy conservation and waste reduction.

“CN has intensified its commitment to build a sustainable future,” Luc Jobin, CN’s executive vice-president and CFO, said. “I am proud to say sustainability is an integral part of our business strategy touching all aspects of our operation. CN’s long-term success depends on running a safe, sustainable railroad.”

Over the course of 2014, the company improved fuel efficiency on its rails 2.5 per cent. Years of efficiency initiatives have allowed CN to cut its greenhouse gas emissions by 17 per cent since 2005. Along with a high sustainability priority on its rails, the company has also pushed its employees to conserve energy and cut waste through its CN EcoConnexions program. CN has reduced its waste approximately 20 per cent over the past two years, while energy consumption at the company’s key facilities has been reduced approximately 15 per cent.

“One CN train, on average, can move a metric tonne of freight about 200 kilometres on a single litre of fuel,” Sam Berrada, CN vice-president of safety and sustainability, said. “Operational efficiency is the hallmark of our success. We remain committed to investing in new technology and training to improve our fuel efficiency and reduce our emissions even more.

In addition to its efforts within its own organization, Berrada noted CN also continues to work with communities on social, economic and environmental programs. Partnering with customers and communities on tree-planting initiatives and monetary contributions to communities are two examples.