December 07, 2021
Class I

CN, CSX Make CDP Environmental ‘A List’

Written by Marybeth Luczak, Executive Editor

CN and CSX each earned an A rating for leadership in corporate sustainability from global environmental non-profit CDP for the sixth and second time, respectively.

The Class I railroads were recognized for their “actions to cut emissions, mitigate climate risks and develop the low-carbon economy,” CN and CSX reported separately on Dec. 7.

Out of 11,759 worldwide companies scored this year on their climate change efforts and disclosures, CDP ranked 200 on the “A List.” Scores are based on data reported through CDP’s questionnaire.

CDP’s annual environmental disclosure and scoring process is “widely recognized as the gold standard of corporate environmental transparency,” noted CSX. “In 2021, more than 590 investors with over $110 trillion in assets and 200 major purchasers with $5.5 trillion in procurement spend requested companies to disclose data on environmental impacts, risks and opportunities through CDP’s platform.”

“We are proud to have secured a place on CDP’s A-list for the sixth time as well as being recognized for the twelfth time,” CN President and CEO JJ Ruest said. “We are committed to powering sustainable growth for our customers, people and communities. Our goal is to conduct our operations with minimal environmental impact while providing cleaner, more sustainable transportation services to our customers. Since 1993, we have reduced our locomotive emission intensity by 43%, avoiding over 48 million tons of GHG [greenhouse gas] emissions. CN’s 2021 CDP response outlines our commitment to support the transition to a low carbon future, complementing our on-going discussions with investors and the work we do with our customers on the matter of climate change.”

“CSX is proud to be recognized as an environmental leader in an industry that is playing an important strategic role in the low-carbon economy,” said Nathan Goldman, Executive Vice President and Chief Legal Officer for CSX, which has been recognized for leadership by CDP for nine consecutive years. “Railroads are three-to-four times more fuel efficient that trucks, on average, and CSX is continually developing innovative solutions for further reducing emissions by converting freight from highway to rail.”

“Many congratulations to all the companies on this year’s A List,” CDP CEO Paul Simpson said. “Taking the lead on environmental transparency and action is one of the most important steps businesses can make, even more so in the year of COP26 and the IPCC’s Sixth Assessment Report. The scale of the risk to businesses from climate change, water insecurity and deforestation can no longer be ignored, and we know the opportunities of action far outweigh the risks of inaction. Leadership from the private sector is essential for securing global ambitions for a net-zero, nature positive and equitable world. Our A List celebrates those companies who are preparing themselves to excel in the economy of the future by taking action today.”