CPKC
CPKC on Feb. 20 published its 2025 Climate Mileposts report (download below) highlighting the actions being taken by the Class I to enhance sustainability.
“Shipping by rail is the most fuel-efficient way to move goods over land and our Climate Mileposts report outlines the steps we are taking to further advance the potential for future decarbonization of the CPKC locomotive fleet,” said CPKC President and CEO Keith Creel. “We are committed to working towards continuously improving our locomotive operating efficiency and advancing real-world testing of hydrogen locomotives.”
CPKC says it is exploring and investing in innovative technology solutions and projects to reduce emissions from its locomotive operations and support the Class I’s long-term sustainability objectives, including:
- “Making significant strides with our pioneering Hydrogen Locomotive Program which has swiftly progressed from initial movement trials to recording more than 6,000 miles in freight service testing by the end of 2024.
- “Doubling the size of our hydrogen test fleet in early 2025 to include three additional locomotives and an added tender car; then adding further to this test fleet with four more locomotives planned for later in 2025.
- “Successfully conducting more than 1,100 fueling events in 2024 as part of our B20 locomotive biofuel trial in British Columbia. This initiative, in cooperation with the broader rail industry, aims to validate the operational impacts of using advanced renewable biofuel blends.
- “Preparing for delivery of 100 Tier 4 diesel-electric locomotives in 2025, which are expected to reduce air pollutants and emissions and enhance fuel economy and reliability.”
NS
NS is actively responding to the widespread impacts of the severe weather system that began affecting communities and its network on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025. The Class I said it is working closely with state and local authorities in several states, notably Kentucky, Ohio, Virginia, and West Virginia where NS’s network was impacted most severely, to support its employees and communities and restore critical rail infrastructure to the region.
“Our thoughts remain with those who have been impacted by the severe weather event, especially the families mourning a loss of life and severe property damage. We are donating $100,000 to the American Red Cross for immediate and long-term recovery needs. Additionally, we have two programs in place to assist Norfolk Southern railroaders who have been impacted. Our teams have been working safely and urgently to restore service on affected routes, ensuring access for the region and our customers. We appreciate their patience and coordination as we move forward with full recovery,” NS said in a release.
According to the Class I. NS will launch an Employee Hardship Fund in the coming weeks. This is a new initiative designed to support the Class I’s team members during challenging times—such as natural disasters, medical emergencies, or other qualifying events—ensuring help is available when it’s needed most. The activation, NS says, will retroactively cover employees impacted by this incident and others, like Hurricane Helene.
This program will be in addition to existing programs that NS activates during a FEMA-declared natural disaster.
NS has supported the Red Cross for nearly 20 years and is a Disaster Responder partner. The company contributes $250,000 annually through the Red Cross’s Annual Disaster Giving Program to respond to incidents such as this.
“In addition to our annual disaster relief support, NS is donating $100,000 for dedicated efforts in the areas impacted by this most recent severe weather event,” the Class I said. “We are also encouraging employees to donate, with a two-to-one match, and will continue hosting blood drives throughout the year to support the Red Cross’s overall mission.”
NS says its teams have been working around the clock to safely assess conditions, reroute affected traffic, and fully restore service.
Both main lines are now back in service as of Feb. 20. As needed, NS says it will continue to provide updates to its customers here.
CN
CN announced Feb. 20 that it has been recognized as one of the top sustainability performers in the transportation industry by the 2025 S&P Global Yearbook as a result of its overall score from the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment. “CN is proud of its 2024 rankings by prominent organizations, including CDP, Corporate Knights, MSCI, The Globe and Mail, and EcoVadis, as it relates to its sustainability practices,” the Class I said in a release.
“These recognitions demonstrate CN’s commitment to Delivering Responsibly and continued adherence to operating safely, being environmentally responsible, helping build stronger communities, while adhering to the highest governance standards. Our achievements and recognitions are a testament to our dedicated team of railroaders,” CN President and CEO Tracy Robinson.
A list of CN’s key sustainability ratings in the past year is highlighted below.
Building on the success of last year, CN says it plans to publish its biennial Delivering Responsibly Sustainability Report and annual Data Supplement Report in 2025, highlighting key performance indicators related to sustainability.
More information is available here.
