As Deutsche Bahn, we already offer the most climate-friendly mobility in Germany. But we want even more. That is why we have committed ourselves to an ambitious goal: We will become climate neutral by 2040. To achieve this goal, we are relying on four powerful instruments – increasing the share of renewable energy, expanding electrification, the end of diesel, and the start of the heat transition.
We have committed to the 1.5 degree path in accordance with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) and are having our climate protection target with its absolute reduction paths scientifically reviewed and confirmed by the SBTi. Throughout the Group and in every business area, we want to make a demonstrable contribution to achieving the goals of the Paris climate conference.
Prevent, reduce, neutralize
Our definition of climate neutrality is based on the SBTi Net Zero standard. We follow the principle of "prevent, reduce, neutralize". This means that all greenhouse gas emissions that are technically feasible and economically reasonable are reduced. Only the remaining residual emissions are neutralized - i.e. removed from the atmosphere and permanently bound by technical or nature-based solutions. By 2040, we will therefore reduce emissions by at least 90 percent compared to 2019.
Managing decarbonization
For our Scope 1 and 2 emissions, we are implementing Group-wide absolute CO2e reduction paths on the basis of extensive analyses and by identifying potential and defining specific levers.
For Scope 3 emissions, we have carried out extensive screening for the DB Group and are systematically reducing them.
We have already achieved a great deal on our path to climate neutrality. At the same time, we are aware that real success in climate protection is not a sure-fire success and can only be achieved if we think about and approach this task holistically.
With
4
powerful instruments
to climate neutrality
Increasing the share of renewable energy
Full greening of traction current: One of the main building blocks on our path to climate neutrality is to use renewable power for all electricity consumed by Deutsche Bahn. That's why we are working to switch our DB traction current mix exclusively to electricity from renewable sources, and we aim to achieve this by 2038. Passengers who take our long-distance trains in Germany already travel using 100 percent green electricity. Our passengers travel on local public transport in an environmentally friendly way. For example, all trains on the Hamburg and Berlin S-Bahn network run on renewables. Also trains for regional and local transportation in Baden-Württemberg and Schleswig-Holstein use 100 percent green electricity, provided that the rail transport is operated in electric traction.
Fully green stationary facilities: We will utilize 100 percent renewable power in all of our depots, office buildings and stations in Germany by 2025. Thirty-three of our stations, including the 15 largest stations such as Berlin, Munich and Cologne, have been using 100 percent renewable power since 2019.
Raising energy efficiency: Not only do we aim to increase our use of green power, we also want to use it more efficiently. That's why our new trains use a system that feeds power from braking maneuvers back into the overhead lines, and why we train locomotive drivers in energy-efficient driving.
Expansion of electrification
Already today, more than 90 percent of all rail transport services in Germany are provided electrically. Together with the federal government, we want to further increase this share.
End of Diesel
On the way to a climate-neutral Deutsche Bahn, we want to stop using fossil fuels. That's why we're adopting a technology-open approach with alternative fuels and drives.
Use of alternative fuels: With alternative fuels, diesel vehicles can continue to operate without the need for technical overhauls. This is a sustainable approach that conserves resources because we do not have to prematurely sideline fully functional trains and locomotives. Our alternative fuel efforts are focused on the biofuel hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO). HVO is produced exclusively from biological residues and waste materials and produces around 90 percent fewer greenhouse gas emissions than conventional diesel.
Use of alternative drives: Alternative drives are low-emission alternatives to pure diesel drives. For example, we are currently testing an innovative hydrogen system consisting of a refueling station, train and maintenance infrastructure in partnership with Siemens Mobility. We're also testing battery trains and developing the associated infrastructure. Battery trains essentially have a rechargeable battery on board. On non-electrified lines, the train draws its energy from the charged battery, keeping it climate-friendly even when there is no overhead line.
Start of the heat transition
On the way to a climate-neutral Deutsche Bahn, we also want to stop using fossil fuels for heating. To this end, we are working on various concepts and measures. In concrete terms, this means that when oil-fired heating systems reach the end of their life cycle, we do not replace them on a 1:1 basis, but replace them with climate-neutral alternatives.
In addition, we are conducting site analyses and developing concrete phase-out plans and an implementation path until 2040. Alternatives to fossil plants include heat pumps and geothermal energy.
