The ecological transformation of DB Group
A sustainable shift in the mode of transport to rail in both passenger and freight transport is required in order for the German and European climate protection targets to be achieved. Electrified rail transport is one of the most cli mate-friendly forms of mass mobility. We intend to further reinforce this competitive advantage with our ambitious net zero target.
DB Group has anchored the ecological transformation in its Strong Rail strategy and is driving it forward in a focused and cross-business-unit manner in five ecological areas of action (climate resilience, climate protection, resource conservation, environmental protection and noise reduction) together with stakeholders. In view of the most pressing challenges currently posed by climate change, we are focusing on climate protection and climate resilience in our eco logical transformation.
Further information on the ecological transformation of DB Group
As an operator of critical infrastructure and as an organiza tion with high land use, DB Group is strongly affected by the current and future impacts of climate change. We are there fore preparing for a higher baseline stress and increasing extreme weather events and are continuing to further devel op our climate resilience management strategically and operationally.
We aim to be climate-neutral by 2040. We have set our selves interim targets for this. In our decarbonization strat egy, we adhere to the science-based Corporate Net-Zero Standard of the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) and thus follow a 1.5 °C path.
The gradual decarbonization of DB Group’s activities is also important for its future financial performance, as it should help to secure its future viability on the path to an increasingly decarbonized economy.
In order to achieve our net-zero target with our interim targets in Scopes 1 to 3 and avoid transition risks, we are relying on four levers:
Increasing the share of renewable energies, — Phasing out diesel and electrifying tracks, — Increasing energy efficiency and — Using emission-reduced building materials.
Together with the Federal Government, DB Group intends to invest heavily in the modernization of the rail infrastructure in the coming years. Due to the extremely extensive con struction activities in particular, there is therefore very high demand for resources (especially for concrete ties, track bal last and rail steel), which can contribute to the depletion of certain primary raw materials (e.g. iron ore, basalt, sand). This impact is also associated with greenhouse gas emissions in the supply chain, which we address as part of our net zero target. We are therefore planning to make greater use of low-emission building materials in the coming years. In this way, DB Group is combining its climate protection measures with circular economy strategies.
After operational safety, protecting the environment and nature is a top priority for us – from planning and construction through to the operation and maintenance of the infrastructure. For example, with biodiversity in mind, we are developing a net-gain vision and working to better reconcile the needs of rail operations with nature conservation.
To counteract the loss of biodiversity, DB Group acts accord ing to the principle of the mitigation hierarchy. Firstly, neg ative impacts on nature must be avoided as far as possible. Where interventions are unavoidable due to operation and operational safety, measures are taken to minimize these impacts. Suitable compensation measures are taken in accor dance with the statutory provisions for any remaining neg ative impacts, for example by creating mitigation and compensation areas in accordance with nature conservation law.
The transport of goods and people by rail causes noise emissions. In order to reduce noise and thus increase acceptance of rail traffic, DB Group and the Federal Government have set themselves the goal of relieving resi dents affected by rail traffic noise.
By 2030, we are committed to working with the Federal government to reduce rail noise for more than 800,000 residents as part of our noise remediation program. That is more than half of all residents who currently live near affected routes. By 2050, we want to have reduced rail transport noise for all affected residents.
With around 209,000 employees in Germany alone (DB Group including DB Schenker), millions of customers and numerous business partners, the DB Group occupies a central position in society. In addition to ecological and economic aspects, our commitment to social issues is also an integral part of our holistic approach to sustainability. Our social commitment is characterized by four standpoints that provide guidance for us and our stakeholders. They correspond to our fundamental convictions and our social value compass at DB Group:
Strengthening community
Supporting social engagement
Promoting diversity
Responsibility for our history
Our social responsibility is guided by a clear vision and a systematic approach. This is because our values are underpinned by various focal points, each involving numerous activities and initiatives. These make our social impact concrete and tangible.