To make a sustainable contribution to the environment, Deutsche Bahn is greening the roofs of its stations, among other measures. On the roofs of the “Green stations” in Kerpen-Horrem and Lutherstadt Wittenberg, not only is electricity generated from solar energy, but they are also planted with grasses and herbs and, thanks to an innovative rainwater management system, supply water for the station’s sanitary facilities. 

The green roofs also act as natural air conditioning systems: the plant layer provides cooling in summer and serves as insulation in winter. The station building in Münster and the Hundertwasser Station in Uelzen also feature a “roof garden.” 

Through their vegetation, the roofs help clean the air and improve air temperature and humidity in the surrounding area. They also provide new and valuable habitats for insects and birds. 

But it is not only station roofs that are being greened. Near Stuttgart, at Rommelshausen S-Bahn station, DB has also greened a staircase roof. This fulfills two functions: travelers can reach the platforms sheltered from bad weather, and the planting improves air quality while creating new habitats for insects and wildlife.