Sustainability at Deutsche Bahn

Dialogue

Sustainability Forum 2025

At Deutsche Bahn's Sustainability Forum, decision-makers from politics, business, civil society and science meet to discuss the challenges of the future. The Forum 2025 will take place on October 16 in Berlin.

With Strong Rail, we have anchored sustainability as a central purpose in our Group strategy. With the green transformation and our social responsibility, we are pursuing a holistic approach that encompasses the entire Deutsche Bahn Group.

Dr. Richard Lutz, Chairman of the Board of Management of Deutsche Bahn

The green transformation of Deutsche Bahn

To strengthen its own business model, Deutsche Bahn has anchored sustainability in its corporate strategy and is focusing on five areas of action in its ecological transformation: climate resilience, climate protection, resource conservation, environmental protection, and noise protection.

Climate resilience

For a resilient and reliable rail system

DB is severely affected by the current and future consequences of climate change. That is why the company is preparing intensively for increasing extreme weather events and is further developing its climate resilience management both strategically and operationally.

Climate protection

For a climate-neutral Deutsche Bahn

DB has set itself a net-zero climate protection target and is driving forward decarbonization using four levers: increasing the share of renewable energy, phasing out diesel and electrification, increasing energy efficiency, and using low-emission building materials.

Resource protection

For the sustainable use of raw materials

In order to reduce GHG emissions from construction activities, DB intends to make greater use of low-emission building materials and other materials. In doing so, DB is contributing to its net-zero target and laying the foundation for establishing a circular economy within the Group.

Environmental protection

For the protection of biodiversity

After operational safety, protecting the environment is a high priority for Deutsche Bahn. That is why DB is working to improve the compatibility of railway operational requirements and nature conservation, for example in the construction of infrastructure.

Noise reduction

For quieter rail traffic

Transporting goods and passengers by rail is not a silent process. To reduce noise and thus increase acceptance of rail transport, Deutsche Bahn wants to work with the federal government to provide relief to all those affected.

Measure

120 / 164

First ICE depot equipped with storage

DB´s ICE depot in Leipzig was equipped with a second-life storage system in combination with a photovoltaic system. A total of 30 used battery modules from eight electric cars were reused for this.

Update

Measure

134 / 164

Eco paving stones under test

DB wants to reduce its CO2 emissions by using recycled paving stones and testing innovative building materials. It is testing new types of eco-concrete at Berlin Südkreuz station.

Neu

Measure

39 / 164

Office buildings with ecological certification

Deutsche Bahn attaches importance to ecologically sustainable construction and modernization in its own and rented office buildings. This helps saving resources and increases energy efficiency.

Update

Measure

123 / 164

Simulation for alternative drives

With the DB Eco Rail Simulator, DB is putting alternative drive technologies through their paces virtually, thereby driving forward the diesel phase-out in the long term.

Update

Social responsibility at Deutsche Bahn

With around 200,000 employees worldwide, millions of customers, and numerous business partners, Deutsche Bahn plays a central role in society. The decisions made by the company have an impact on the lives and daily work of many people. DB is always conscious of this social responsibility.

Strengthening community

For fair and respectful treatment

Deutsche Bahn shapes the everyday lives of many people in Germany - whether they are customers, employees or business partners. This means that DB is not only at the heart of society, it is also an important part of it.

Supporting social engagement

For a strong community

As one of the country's largest companies, DB plays an important role in society. The Group therefore aims to contribute to the functioning of this society - even beyond its own business activities.

Promoting diversity

For an open and inclusive society

Deutsche Bahn stands for an open, inclusive society. Appreciation of social diversity is an integral part of the corporate culture, which the Group promotes both internally and externally with various very specific measures.

Taking responsibility for our history

For a living culture of remembrance

DB is inextricably linked with the history of the railroads in Germany. As a result, the Group has a perpetual responsibility to deal with this past and preserve the memory of it.

Key focus area

Accessible mobility

All people should be able to use the services of Deutsche Bahn. On the way to achieving this goal, DB is equipping or upgrading stations, trains, buses, travel centers, ticket machines, and digital platforms to make them accessible.

Key focus area

Culture of remembrance

Deutsche Bahn actively addresses the responsibility and role of the Reichsbahn during National Socialism.

Key focus area

Commitment to the common good

Deutsche Bahn is committed to the common good in various ways – even beyond its own business operations. We support various social causes, from the work of the Bahnhofsmissionen to emergency humanitarian aid and sports promotion.

Key focus area

Good work in the Team DB

As one of the largest employers in the country, Deutsche Bahn is committed to providing good working conditions. In addition to fair salaries and a wide range of social and fringe benefits, it also promotes the professional development of its employees.

Key sustainability figures

69,8 %

share of renewable energies in the DB traction current mix

96 %

recycling rate

2.324 km

track kilometers noise remediated

>548.000

trees planted with Bergwaldprojekt e.V.

31,5

rate of women in management positions

Dialogue

Sustainability Forum

At Deutsche Bahn's Sustainability Forum, decision-makers from politics, business, civil society and science meet to discuss the challenges of the future.

Dialogue

Stakeholder dialogue

Deutsche Bahn plays an important role in society and public life. That is why the company is involved in many networks focusing on sustainability.

Social responsibility

Modern Slavery Act Statement

The Modern Slavery Act Statement made by Deutsche Bahn Group sets out the steps DB Group is taking to reduce the risk of slavery and human trafficking taking place in its business and supply chain.

Dialogue

DB Train Simulator

With the DB Train Simulator, anyone can become a virtual train driver and learn how to get a train to its destination using as little energy as possible.

Sustainability at Deutsche Bahn

Sustainability Forum 2025

The green transformation of Deutsche Bahn

Five fields of action for DB's green transformation

Measures of DB's green transformation

First ICE depot equipped with storage

Eco paving stones under test

Office buildings with ecological certification

Simulation for alternative drives

Social responsibility at Deutsche Bahn

Four standpoints of social responsibility

Key focus areas of social responsibility

Accessible mobility

Culture of remembrance

Commitment to the common good

Good work in the Team DB

Key sustainability figures

Sustainability Forum

Stakeholder dialogue

Modern Slavery Act Statement

DB Train Simulator