Sustainability at Deutsche Bahn

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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
Ein ICE im Thüringer Wald auf der Schnellfahrstrecke zwischen Erfurt und Nürnberg.  | © DB AG / Faruk Hosseini

The green transformation of Deutsche Bahn

To ensure that future generations can live on a healthy planet, we have to act now. At Deutsche Bahn, we are rising to this challenge and taking responsibility. That is why we are systematically driving forward DB's green transformation in the fields of action climate protection, nature conservation, resource protection and noise reduction.

Ecology

Our four fields of action for DB's green transformation

Climate protection
We are going climate neutral

Climate neutral by 2040: To achieve this goal, we are relying on four powerful instruments – increasing the share of green electricity, expanding electrification, phasing out diesel, and entering the heat transition.

Nature conservation
We protect species

We take responsibility for ensuring that our ecosystem remains healthy. DB's Green transformation sees us working on solutions that benefit biodiversity.

Resource protection
We conserve raw materials

We only have this one planet with its unique ecosystem. That's why we at Deutsche Bahn want to have implemented a circular economy by 2040.

Noise reduction
We're making railway quieter

Quiet trains make for Strong Rail. That is why we at Deutsche Bahn are working to minimize railway noise for over 50% of people affected by 2030 and for everyone affected by 2050.

Ecology

Measures of our Green transformation

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We renovate and conserve resources

Deutsche Bahn is increasingly renovating existing arch bridges to protect valuable resources. Renovating can considerably reduce CO2e compared to building new bridges.

New
Arch bridge with scaffolding | © (Copyright GLASS / Dr. Jürgen Findeisen)
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Check in to our insect hotels

In order to promote species conservation and ensure biodiversity, Deutsche Bahn is building insect hotels on its land, providing the small creatures with a safe haven.

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© DB AG / Faruk Hosseini
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Noise barrier with a view

We are currently presenting our latest innovation at the GreenTec Festival: The MetaWindow is a transparent noise barrier made of Plexiglas modules that combines sound-absorbing properties with a transparent look. The DB Bahnbau Group developed the new noise barrier together with the startup Phononic Vibes.

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The innovative MetaWindow combines sound-absorbing properties with a transparent look | © DB Bahnbau Gruppe
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Recognizing plants with artificial intelligence

We rely on our AI solution BiGEye to better identify which plants are growing in and around the track bed and to make our vegetation management more efficient.

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Nachhaltiges Vegetationsmanagement im und am Gleis. | © DB AG/ Claudia Münchow
Mitarbeiter der Deutschen Bahn bei einem Workshop. | © DB AG / Max Lautenschläger

Social responsibility at Deutsche Bahn

With around 300,000 employees worldwide, millions of customers and numerous business partners, Deutsche Bahn occupies a central place in society. Our decisions have an impact on the lives and everyday working lives of many people. We are therefore always aware of our social responsibility.

Social

Our standpoints of social responsibility

Strengthening community
We act fairly and responsibly

As Deutsche Bahn, we shape the daily lives and inputs of more people than almost any other company in Germany. That is why we promote good cooperation and always want to act responsibly in our dealings with others.

Supporting social engagement
We make a contribution to the community

As DB, we play an important role in society. That is why we also want to make our own contribution to the functioning of this society. We support people in need and are committed to charitable organizations.

Promoting diversity
We stand for an open society

A positive understanding of social diversity is an integral part of our corporate culture. We want to create a non-discriminatory working environment and make our products and services as inclusive as possible.

Taking responsibility for our history
We keep the memory alive

As Deutsche Bahn, we are aware of the historical dimension of the history of the railroads in Germany. As a result, we have a perpetual responsibility to preserve the memory of the past - including the darker chapters.

Social

Key focus areas of social responsibility

Key focus area

Accessibility

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.

© Deutsche Bahn AG / Max Lautenschläger
Key focus area

Preserving the culture of remembrance

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

Kranzniederlegung am Denkmal für die ermordeten Sinti und Roma Europas. | © Deutsche Bahn AG / Dominic Dupont
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.

© DB AG / Volker Emersleben
Key focus area

Good jobs 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.

Eine Mitarbeiterin im DB Bordrestaurant bei der Arbeit. | © DB AG

Key sustainability figures

68%
Share of renewable energies in the DB traction current mix
>96%
Recycling rate
2.255km
Track kilometers noise remediated
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.

Deutsche Bahn CEO Dr. Richard Lutz at DB Umweltforum 2021 | © DB AG / Jet Foto Kranert
Dialogue

Networks and memberships

Deutsche Bahn is an important part of society and public life. As a result, it is essential for us to maintain a dialogue for partnership and a relationship built on trust with our stakeholders.

Menschen bei einer Besprechung | © DB AG / Max Lautenschläger
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.

Aurachtal bridge in Markt Emskirchen with ICE in motion (Würzburg - Nuremberg line) | © DB AG / Volker Emersleben
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.

Triebfahrzeugführer des DB Fernverkehr unterwegs mit einem ICE 4. | © DB AG / Pablo Castagnola