.jpg)
1 hour ago
3
Article content
OTTAWA, Ontario, Sept. 24, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Canada’s rail sector continued to improve its environmental performance in 2024, with freight railways moving more goods while reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions intensity and passenger railways building on decades of improvements. As the most fuel-efficient mode of transportation for passengers and goods over land, rail continues to play an important role in supporting both Canada’s economy and its climate objectives. The findings, released today in the 2024 Locomotive Emissions Monitoring (LEM) Report, highlight continued progress across Canada’s rail industry.
THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY
Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.
- Exclusive articles from Barbara Shecter, Joe O'Connor, Gabriel Friedman, and others.
- Daily content from Financial Times, the world's leading global business publication.
- Unlimited online access to read articles from Financial Post, National Post and 15 news sites across Canada with one account.
- National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.
- Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.
SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES
Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.
- Exclusive articles from Barbara Shecter, Joe O'Connor, Gabriel Friedman and others.
- Daily content from Financial Times, the world's leading global business publication.
- Unlimited online access to read articles from Financial Post, National Post and 15 news sites across Canada with one account.
- National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.
- Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.
REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES
Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.
- Access articles from across Canada with one account.
- Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.
- Enjoy additional articles per month.
- Get email updates from your favourite authors.
THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK.
Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.
- Access articles from across Canada with one account
- Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments
- Enjoy additional articles per month
- Get email updates from your favourite authors
Sign In or Create an Account
or
Article content
Article content
Canadian railways continued to modernize their fleets, including the adoption of Tier 4 locomotives. In 2024, Tier 4 locomotives represented 10.5% of the active fleet, up from 9.8% in 2023.
Article content
Article content
By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.
Article content
The 2024 report also marks an important milestone in measuring the rail industry’s emissions reductions resulting from the increased use of low-carbon fuels. Rather than estimating the industry’s biofuel consumption based on provincial and national fuel standards, the report uses actual locomotive biofuel consumption data, providing a clearer picture of biofuels’ contribution to the sector’s emissions reductions. In 2024, biofuel consumption increased by 56% and accounted for more than 8% of total rail sector fuel consumption.
Article content
Since 2005:
Article content
- Regional and shortline freight railways have improved GHG emissions intensity by 25.4%.
- Class 1 freight railways moved 30.7% more traffic while reducing absolute GHG emissions by 10.7% — resulting in a 32.1% reduction in GHG emissions intensity.
- Intercity passenger railways have improved GHG emissions intensity by 33.9%.
- Criteria air contaminant emissions have also declined significantly, including nitrogen oxides (-47.9%), particulate matter (-62.2%), hydrocarbons (-56.1%), carbon monoxide (-3.5%), and sulphur dioxide (-98.9%).
Article content
Article content
“Canada’s railways are essential to keeping our economy moving. They strengthen our supply chains, connect Canadian businesses to global markets, and continue to advance cleaner fuels and innovative technologies. The progress highlighted in this report demonstrates that Canada’s rail sector is reducing its environmental footprint while supporting a safe, reliable, and efficient transportation network. Our government will continue working with industry to foster innovation and build a more competitive, sustainable transportation system for Canadians.” – The Honourable Steven MacKinnon, Minister of Transport and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons
Article content
“The story behind these results is one of long-term investment and innovation. Canada’s railways continue to modernize their fleets, adopt cleaner technologies, and improve efficiency because those investments make our transportation network stronger, our economy more competitive, and our environmental performance better. Those outcomes go hand in hand.” – Eric Harvey, President and CEO, Railway Association of Canada.
English (US)