Deutsche Bahn already offers millions of people climate-friendly mobility in Germany. We have also committed ourselves to an ambitious goal: We want to be climate-neutral by 2040. To achieve this, we are relying on four powerful instruments – increasing the share of renewable energy, phasing out diesel, implementing the heat transition and optimizing energy efficiency.
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 “avoid, reduce, neutralize”. This means that we reduce all greenhouse gas emissions where this is technically possible and economically feasible. By 2040, we will therefore reduce emissions by at least 90 percent compared to 2019. The remaining residual emissions (up to 10 percent) will be neutralized - i.e. removed from the atmosphere and permanently bound by technical or nature-based solutions.
Managing decarbonization
We are implementing Group-wide absolute CO2e reduction paths for our Scope 1 and 2 emissions. To this end, we have defined specific levers based on extensive analyses and by identifying potential. We are also systematically reducing Scope 3 emissions and have carried out extensive screening for the DB Group.
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 foregone conclusion and that we still have some challenges to overcome along the way.
With
4
powerful instruments
to climate neutrality
Increasing the share of renewable energy
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. And our local transport passengers also travel in an environmentally friendly way. For example, our customers travel on renewable energy on the Hamburg and Berlin S-Bahn. And in Baden-Württemberg and Schleswig-Holstein, too, travelers on regional and local transport are powered by 100 percent green electricity, as long as the rail transport is operated in e-traction.
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.
Phasing out Diesel
On the way to a climate-neutral Deutsche Bahn, we are focusing on the further electrification of our rail network as part of our decarbonization strategy. More than 90 percent of all rail transport services in Germany are already electrified. We want to further increase this proportion together with the federal government. At the same time, however, there will still be routes in the future on which we will not always be able to transport goods and passengers to their destination electrically due to geographical or operational characteristics. We are therefore focusing on a technology-open approach with alternative drives and fuels as a replacement for fossil diesel.
Use of alternative fuels: With alternative fuels, diesel vehicles can continue to operate without the need for technical overhauls. This is sustainable and conserves resources because we do not have to prematurely sideline fully functional trains and locomotives. Our alternative fuel efforts are currently 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.
Implementing 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-friendly 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.
Optimizing energy efficiency
We not only want to continuously increase the proportion of green electricity in our Group. We also want to use it as efficiently as possible. After all, the most environmentally friendly electricity is still the one that is not needed at all.
The Group's Green Rail Technology program is a key factor here. In this program, we as the DB Group are driving forward the transition to sustainable and economical rail production on the vehicle and infrastructure side. Green rail production not only has a positive impact on our financial resources. It also ensures relevant savings in DB's CO2e emissions.
Efficient vehicles: In order to increase the energy efficiency of our fleet, we rely on passenger-independent air conditioning control, train our drivers in energy-saving driving techniques and feed braking energy back into the overhead lines. We are also laying the technical foundations for future energy-efficient processes.
Efficient infrastructure: To increase the productivity of our stationary assets, we are automating manual work steps and optimizing processes. For example, self-closing hall doors help us to reduce energy losses. And the introduction of innovative paint systems for drying at room temperature also ensures savings in energy costs and CO2e emissions.
