Deutsche Bahn is paying increased attention to ecologically sustainable criteria for its own and rented office buildings. This includes the careful use of resources as well as the ecological operation of the properties. For example, DB has converted the energy supply of its buildings and facilities to renewable energies. This means that all office buildings, as well as railroad stations, maintenance depots and facilities in Germany supplied by DB Energie, are supplied with 100 percent renewable energy.
DB also relies on recognized certifications for the buildings, such as DGNB certification or the LEED seal. The German Sustainable Building Council (DGNB) evaluates the entire life cycle of the building. Various sustainability criteria from the maximum six subject areas of ecology, economy, socio-cultural and functional aspects, technology, processes and location must be fulfilled. The “Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design” (LEED) certification system considers criteria such as location and environment, energy and atmosphere, water, materials and resources, interior quality, innovation and regional priorities. Depending on the fulfillment of certain criteria in these areas, buildings can collect points and achieve LEED certification.
Some of the leased office buildings in DB's portfolio have already been recognized for their exemplary implementation in terms of sustainability.
Gold standard for the corporate headquarters
The so-called Bahntower, the corporate headquarters of Deutsche Bahn at Potsdamer Platz, was extensively renovated from the end of 2021 to fall 2024 and has been awarded the DGNB Gold Standard. In addition to a completely new office concept throughout the building, emphasis was placed on the resource-saving use of materials. For example, double floors, interior blinds, partition walls and parts of the mechanical, electrical and sanitary systems were reused wherever possible. In addition, the entire building was converted to energy-efficient LED lighting. The heating and cooling supply is controlled depending on the weather. And the meters are recorded and evaluated using modern energy management software.
DB InfraGO headquarters - office building with gold certificate
DB InfraGO's headquarters in Frankfurt's railroad station district has been LEED Gold certified since its modernization in 2021. The building meets various sustainability criteria - such as the use of recycled materials. For example, the carpets are made from recycled PET and bear the Blue Angel seal. The office furniture is also made from certified and recycled materials.
Gasometer EUREF-Campus - Efficient and resource-saving
Deutsche Bahn is a tenant in the Berlin Gasometer in Schöneberg with various business units on around 28,000 square meters and twelve floors. The building on the EUREF-Campus has been awarded the KfW Efficiency House 55 building certification. This means that only 55 percent of the energy is required for operations compared to a conventional new building. This is achieved through triple glass windows, internal sun protection, effective thermal insulation, the use of smart metering and locally generated renewable energy, among other things.
