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.

Dr. Richard Lutz, Vorsitzender des Vorstands Deutsche Bahn AG, bei der Eröffnung des Forum Nachhaltigkeit 2023 der DB | © DB AG / Jet-Foto Kranert
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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

With the green transformation, Deutsche Bahn is assuming ecological responsibility in four fields of action. With numerous measures in climate protection, nature conservation, resource conservation and noise protection, DB is strengthening the environmental advantage of rail and ensuring the conditions for a sustainable mobility transition.

Ecology

Four fields of action for DB's green transformation

Climate protection
For a climate-neutral Deutsche Bahn

DB has set itself a net-zero climate protection target and is driving decarbonization with four levers: increasing the share of green electricity, phasing out diesel, implementing the decarbonization of heating and increasing energy efficiency.

Nature conservation
For the protection of biodiversity

Deutsche Bahn takes responsibility for a healthy ecosystem and is working on measures for biodiversity. After all, more rail traffic also means that interference with nature cannot always be avoided.

Resource protection
For the sustainable use of raw materials

Worldwide, far more raw materials are consumed than nature can regenerate. This is why DB wants to make careful use of the resources available to it and introduce a circular economy by 2040.

Noise reduction
For quieter rail traffic

Deutsche Bahn will relieve all affected residents from noise caused by rail traffic by 2050. To this end, it is working with the federal government to reduce noise through noise protection in the infrastructure and on the vehicles.

Ecology

Measures of DB's green transformation

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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
DB has installed it´s first second-life battery storage system in combination with a photovoltaik plant at an ICE depot.
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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
© DB AG / Faruk Hosseini
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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.

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Die DB-Konzernzentrale von außen bei gutem Wetter | © Deutsche Bahn AG / Volker Emersleben
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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
Ein Akkuzug fährt durch eine grüne Landschaft. | © Stadler Rail AG
Mitarbeiter der Deutschen Bahn bei einem Workshop. | © DB AG / Max Lautenschläger

Social responsibility at Deutsche Bahn

With around 200,000 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 of many people. We are therefore always aware of our social responsibility.

Social

Four standpoints of 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.

Social

Key focus areas of social responsibility

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.

© Deutsche Bahn AG / Max Lautenschläger
Key focus area

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 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.

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

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.

Der Vorstandsvorsitzende der Deutschen Bahn, Dr. Richard Lutz, beim Umweltforum 2021 in Berlin | © 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