Climate protection
We want to become climate-neutral by 2040, and we have committed to reducing our greenhouse gas emissions across the entire value chain to net zero, i.e. a reduction in Scope 1 to 3 emissions of at least 90 % compared to 2019. From 2040, we want to neutralize the residual emissions of no more than 10 % that are difficult or impossible to avoid (i. e. permanently remove them from the atmosphere), in particular from the upstream and downstream value chain. This target is supported by an implementation plan and has been validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), meaning that it follows a 1.5 °C pathway in accordance with the SBTi. This means our climate protection target is in line with the Paris Agreement and Germany’s climate protection target.
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 lines,
- Increasing energy efficiency and
- Using emissions-reduced building materials.
To become climate-neutral by 2040, we have set ourselves a target of operating DB Group’s electrified rail transport in Germany entirely using electricity from renewable energies by 2038 at the latest. Since early 2025, all stations, maintenance depots, office buildings and stationary facilities in Germany, such as interlockings, that are supplied by DB Energy have been receiving 100 % of their electricity from renewable energy sources.
To reduce our emissions, we also want to use energy as efficiently as possible. In particular, our measures in this area include the ongoing modernization of our vehicle fleet and the reduction of our energy consumption. For example, our trains use brake energy recovery, and we train and support our drivers in energy-efficient driving with the help of the continuous rollout of modern driver assistance systems. As we progress toward making DB Group climate-neutral, we also aim to phase out the use of fossil fuels. The continued electrification of our rail network is a key measure in achieving this. Already, more than 90 % of our rail passenger and freight transport in Germany (based on weight-related ton kilometers; Ltkm) is carried out electrically. In areas where electrification of additional lines is not possible due to geographical or operational constraints, we are adopting an approach that is open to all technologies, including the use of alternative drives and fuels. As part of a Group-wide collaboration, the focus is not only on consolidating and coordinating the ramp-up of the biofuel hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) as a transitional technology, but also on testing and rolling out alternative drives within DB Group. These measures are necessary in order for rail transport with lower emissions to be achieved in the long term on non-electrified lines.
In March 2026, for example, we completed a study on the feasibility and implementation of fully electric switching operations at DB Cargo, thereby identifying and demonstrating a potential path toward decarbonizing these operations. In our rail work vehicles, working motors powered by fossil fuels are gradually being replaced by electric drives. This means that existing vehicles can remain in service for longer. In collaboration with DB Vehicle Maintenance and the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), new electricity-based e-fuels were tested for the first time in rail engines in the first half of 2026 and their technical suitability was confirmed. ReFuels comprise fuels produced using non-fossil carbon and CO₂ sources, such as biomass or waste materials. Hydrogen generated from renewable energies is used in their production. Once these fuels are market-ready and profitable, we will be able to use them as a transitional technology for our existing vehicles.
More information on specific climate protection measures can be found under Development of business units.