Environmental measures

DB InfraGO also implemented or continued numerous environmental protection measures in 2024, both on the track and at stations:

• Noise remediation: The noise remediation based on the respective feasibility studies in the Middle Rhine Valley, Elbe Valley and Inn Valley were continued in 2024.
• Heat transition No. 97: We are continuing to work intensively on a more climate-friendly conversion of all locations that are currently heated with fossil fuels and will probably still be needed after 2040, such as workshops, company buildings or network locations. In 2024, we established regional conversion paths for this purpose. Following central consolidation, it was possible to derive quantity structures, measures, schedules and costs. The specific implementation is then to take place regularly as part of the holistic real estate and portfolio strategy. In 2024, 15 locations were converted. Five pellet heating systems and ten heat pumps were installed. In stations, four projects were implemented in 2024 in which a fossil fuel heating system was replaced by a renewable heat supply. In addition, measures for renewable heat generation are currently in the planning phase at 16 other locations.
• Renewable energies on rail facilities: In 2024 work was carried out to specify the use of renewable energies, in particular photovoltaic systems, on new or modified rail facilities. The aim is to develop a guideline for action for the numerous construction projects that provides pragmat­ic support for the implementation of sensible measures.
• Railmap climate-neutral rail infrastructure: To reduce climate-relevant emissions from the construction and maintenance of track infrastructure, we have continued to implement the “Railmap climate neutral track infrastructure” initiative. To that end, we have coordinated with the BMDV and the BMWK on the eligibility for funding of possible additional costs for construction, in particular with lower-emissions building materials. We were also in close contact with the raw materials industry. Research and pilot projects were also carried out in 2024 to find ways of implementing green construction methods and materials. For example, in addition to the techni­cal possibilities of using geothermal systems in our tunnels, the legal and financial options for this were also investigated.
• Rail construction initiative for the future: As part of the rail construction initiative for the future, we worked with partners from planners, construction associations and the rail construction industry in the “Green planning, construction and operation” cluster on topics such as increasing the recycled share of rail construction materials. In 2024, application aids for the use of geotechnical earthworks and the promotion of track-bound ballast treatment were created.
• Bike+Ride initiative and information center for bicycle parking: The Bike+Ride initiative No. 156 supports local authorities in creating additional parking spaces for bicycles at stations throughout Germany. Since the start of the program in 2019, a total of more than 22,000 additional parking spaces have been put into operation at 251 stations. By 2024, we will have equipped 56 stations with Bike+Ride facilities, creating more than 4,400 bicycle parking spaces. Since 2021, we have also advised more than 150 municipalities on the implementation of bicycle parking facilities at stations via the information center for bicycle parking.
• DB Rad+ app: By using the app DB Rad+ No. 110, cyclists in 21 participating municipalities can currently redeem the kilometers they have cycled locally and digitally at partner businesses in their region and at the station for discounts and rewards. Since the app was launched in 2020, more than 27 million km have already been “cycled” in 21 municipalities across Germany. Two more districts were added in 2024.
• Sustainable stations: The “Little green station” No. 6 re­p-resents a new generation of station buildings that are built and operated in a climate-friendly way. The use of natural, sustainable and regional raw materials such as wood from northern Bavaria saves about 50% CO₂e emissions dur­ing construction.
  • In July 2024, the “Little green station” in Haar went into operation. Further locations are being planned. The construction approach “Little green station” was awarded the “German Mobility Transition Prize for Building Culture 2024” by the Pro-Rail Alliance.
  • A particularly climate-friendly station building is due to be completed in Bitterfeld in spring 2025: recycled aluminum was used in its construction, the production of which saves about 95% CO₂ emissions compared to the production of new aluminum. Skylights and glass fronts create a brighter atmosphere with less artificial lighting. The photovoltaic system covers 100% of the electricity requirement and the heating requirement is covered by district heating.