We exchange views on sustainability topics of DB Group both bilaterally and as part of networks and dialog formats with our stakeholders. We are hosting our own multi-stakeholder formats, such as the Sustainability Forum. We also carry out structured environmental monitoring and analysis. We use these to systematically identify relevant issues and determine their significance for the sustainability management of DB Group. We also answer questions from stakeholders on matters of sustainability.

Sustainability Forum

The DB Group Sustainability Forum, which takes place once a year in Berlin, has firmly established itself in recent years as the central platform for dialog on current sustainability topics. The Sustainability Forum 2023 took place on September 21, 2023 for invited guests in the French Cathedral in Berlin and with virtual attendance. In view of the current crisis situations, the key question this year was: how can we continue to advance sustainability even in times of crisis? Representatives of the DB Management Board and high-ranking representatives from politics, business, science and civil society were on the panel.

Summit meeting with environmental associations

On October 4, 2023, the Chief Executive Officer of DB AG, Dr. Richard Lutz, met in Berlin with the following environmental associations: the Federation for the Environment and Nature Conservation Germany (Bund für Umwelt und Naturschutz Deutschland; BUND), the German Nature Conservation Association (Deutscher Naturschutzring; DNR), Environmental Action Germany (Deutsche Umwelthilfe; DUH), Greenpeace, the German Nature and Biodiversity Conservation Union (Naturschutzbund Deutschland; NABU), the German Transport and Environmental Association (Verkehrsclub Deutschland; VCD) and the World Wide Fund For Nature (WWF). DB Group’s current issues, infrastructure development, the infrastructure company focused on the common good and other sustainability issues were discussed at the meeting.

Advisory Board for a Quieter Middle Rhine Valley

Another meeting of the Advisory Board for a Quieter Middle Rhine Valley was held on October 31, 2023. Together with the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (Bundesministerium für Digitales und Verkehr; BMDV), we reported on the local progress made with the implementation of noise remediation measures. A further agenda item of the Advisory Board meeting was the discussion of the results of the study “Infrastructural concept for the Middle Rhine railway corridor: target network II” of the BMDV. The Advisory Board for a Quieter Middle Rhine Valley is composed of citizens’ action groups, regional members of the German Parliament, representatives of the BMDV and the responsible state ministries from Hesse and Rhineland-Palatinate, as well as DB Group. It meets annually at various locations in the Middle Rhine Valley.