Environment
Focused on environmental stewardship
CN is committed to business practices that protect the natural environment and ensure employee and public safety and health. The way we run our railroad – using Precision Railroading - is a key factor in enabling us to reduce our carbon footprint. With Precision Railroading, fewer railcars and locomotives are needed to ship the same amount of freight in a tight, effective and efficient operation. Precision Railroading means greater reliability for customers and less impact on the environment.
At CN facilities, environmental protection is an integral part of management activities. Our Environmental Policy (PDF 38KB), programs and processes aim to minimize the impact of our activities on the environment. We have made important progress on a number of fronts:
Highlights:
- CN invested significant capital to acquire more than 100 new fuel-efficent, high-horsepower locomotives for delivery in 2007 and 2008. The new units produce 40 per cent less nitrogen oxides and are at least 15 to 20 per cent more fuel-efficient than the locomotives they will replace. CN has ordered an additional 25 units for 2009. More
- CN introduced a greenhouse gas emissions calculator that allows shippers to measure emissions savings for shipments using CN versus truck. The calculator was launched in 2008. More
- CN was awarded a 2008 Conservation Award of Excellence by Ontario-based Conservation Halton for demonstrating stewardship in protecting the natural environment.
- In conjunction with the Railway Association of Canada, CN renegotiated a voluntary agreement with Environment Canada and Transport Canada to further reduce its emissions intensity over time.
NOTE: 2008 data for the Environment section will be available in the second quarter 2009.
