Sustainability key figures of DB

Deutsche Bahn reports transparently on the progress it is making in its ecological transformation and in the social responsibility of the Group. DB also relies on sustainability indicators to strengthen its stakeholders' trust in the Group. Deutsche Bahn has its sustainability work regularly assessed by neutral ESG rating agencies and undergoes objective comparison in international rankings. The company also publishes further information on its sustainability performance in its annual Integrated Report, which is certified by an independent audit.

Climate protection

Deutsche Bahn will be climate neutral by 2040 in accordance with the Net-Zero Standard of the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), following a 1.5-degree compliant reduction pathway.

• Since 2018, all passengers on DB's long-distance electric trains have been traveling on services powered by 100 % green energy.
• In Baden-Württemberg and Schleswig-Holstein, too, regional and local transport passengers travel using 100 % green electricity, provided that rail transport is electrified.
• Since early 2025, all stations, maintenance facilities, office buildings, and facilities of Deutsche Bahn in Germany supplied by DB Energie have been powered by 100 % green electricity. This also includes signal boxes, switch heating systems, and track field lighting.

Resource protection

In order to reduce emissions from increasing construction activity on the rail network, Deutsche Bahn intends to make greater use of low-emission building materials and other materials in the coming years. These are characterized by innovative, resource-saving production processes and the use of recycled materials. In this way, DB is contributing to its net-zero target and also laying the foundation for establishing a circular economy within the Group.

• DB's ICE trains have a service life of at least 30 years. To ensure they reach this age, they are redesigned after about half their service life, saving up to 80 % of material costs compared to buying new ones. 
• As well as saving time, 3D printing also conserves valuable raw materials. DB has already printed over 150,000 parts and replacement parts in more than 700 different applications since 2015.

Environmental protection

After operational safety, protecting the environment and nature 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.

• With around 28,000 hectares, DB is one of the largest forest owners in Germany. This includes the Elmer Forest in eastern Hesse. This forest was planted 100 years ago on the embankments of the railway line between Hanau and Fulda. No chainsaws have been used there for decades.
• Since 2009, DB has been cooperating with the Bergwaldprojekt e. V. association. Together with many volunteers, DB employees and trainees have planted hundreds of thousands of trees to create a resilient mixed forest and a healthy climate.
• In order to make an active contribution to the preservation of honey bees, DB has made DB land available to private beekeepers free of charge. This has secured important habitats for over 50 million bees.

Noise reduction

Transporting goods and passengers by rail is not a silent process. In order to reduce noise and thus increase acceptance of rail transport, Deutsche Bahn has therefore set itself the goal, together with the federal government, of reducing the burden on local residents.

Social responsibility

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.