CN recognized for climate change disclosure

Canadian National has been commended by the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), which represents 551 institutional investors with US$71 trillion in assets under management, for its approach to the disclosure of climate change information. And, for the third consecutive year, CN is featured in CDP’s “Carbon Disclosure Leadership Index.”

The index, a key component of CDP’s annual Canada 200 report, highlights the constituent companies within the Canada 200 Index which have displayed the most professional approach to corporate governance regarding climate change information disclosure practices. Companies are scored on their climate change disclosure and high scores indicate good internal data management and understanding of climate change related issues affecting the company.

The index, compiled by Accenture on behalf of CDP, provides an evaluation tool for institutional investors and other stakeholders. In 2011 it comprises the leading 10% of companies (20) from the Canada 200 Index based on analysis of the responses to CDP’s questionnaire which focused on greenhouse gas emissions, emissions reduction targets, and risks and opportunities associated with climate change. 

“We are proud of our achievements over the past year and are pleased with the Carbon Disclosure Project’s recognition of CN’s leadership on disclosure. Environmental sustainability is a strategic priority for CN, which is focused on lowering emissions, increasing energy efficiency, reducing waste, and encouraging environmental stewardship among our employees,” said CN President and CEO Claude Mongeau (pictured at right). “CN leads the North American rail industry in fuel efficiency, consuming, overall, approximately 10 per cent less fuel per gross-ton-mile than the rail industry average.”

Paul Simpson, chief executive officer of the Carbon Disclosure Project, said, “Companies that make the Carbon Disclosure Leadership Index have demonstrated good internal data management practices for understanding greenhouse gas emissions. They have shown a strong awareness of the business issues related to climate change including climate-related risks and opportunities. Those organizations that give clear consideration to measuring and reporting on climate change issues will be best placed to capitalize on the opportunities from managing them.”