Actions (E4-3)
To counteract the loss of biodiversity, DB Group acts according to the principle of the mitigation hierarchy. Firstly, negative 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 accordance with the statutory provisions for any remaining negative impacts, for example by creating mitigation and compensation areas in accordance with nature conservation law.
Local ecological expertise is obtained when developing and implementing biodiversity-related measures, for example through consultation with regional environmental authorities, nature conservation associations and local specialist planning offices. Nature-based solutions (NbS) are also used, such as the promotion of vegetation typical to the area, the planting of species-rich, diversely structured vegetation strips at the edge of transport routes and measures to support natural succession on unused areas. These approaches not only serve to promote biodiversity, but also contribute to climate change adaptation and erosion control.
Compensation
Our compensation measures serve to maintain the functionality of ecosystems and their ecosystem services – in other words, the services of the natural environment with a direct or indirect benefit for society – and to minimize the negative consequences of our construction activities in Germany. An important instrument here is the evaluation of the affected areas before and after the interventions with the help of biotope value points in accordance with the biotope valuation method anchored in the Federal Compensation Ordinance (Bundeskompensationsverordnung; BKompV). The points quantify the value of a biotope and help to determine the scope of necessary compensation and replacement measures. In this way, we ensure that there is no net loss for biodiversity and ecosystems.
Compensation takes place in connection with the construction of rail infrastructure in Germany in particular. This includes the provision of replacement and compensation areas for endangered species, renaturation and reforestation, as well as special nature conservation-related infrastructure, such as overflight aids for bats over tracks and overhead wires. Compensation is primarily carried out directly at the site of the impact. If this is not possible, compensation measures are carried out in a spatial-functional context, such as within the same landscape unit or the same natural area. In addition, compensation pools and eco-accounts are used to enable bundled and efficient implementation. Only in exceptional cases is compensation carried out at another suitable location, provided that the environmental function can be restored there in an equivalent manner. If replacement measures are not possible or would require disproportionate effort, compensation funds are used and earmarked for further nature conservation and enhancement measures.
Compensation measures are implemented immediately after completion of the respective construction work. As a rule, this includes several years of implementation and development maintenance, for example to ensure growth and functionality. The measures are then maintained over a period typically lasting 25 to 30 years and reviewed as part of regular monitoring programs. For biotope types that require permanent maintenance, we ensure long-term care. The costs for compensation measures depend on the nature and scope of the respective infrastructure project. The environmental impact is determined for each project and the necessary measures are developed and the budget defined on this basis. Compensation and replacement measures are an integral part of the overall project financing.
In 2025, construction work on the rail infrastructure in Germany led to unavoidable interventions in nature that are compensated for by appropriate compensation measures in accordance with the legal requirements, such as the Environmental Impact Assessment Act (Gesetz über die Umweltverträglichkeitsprüfung; UVPG), the Federal Nature Conservation Act (Bundesnaturschutzgesetz; BNatSchG) and the Federal Compensation Ordinance (Bundeskompensationsverordnung; BKompV).
Value chain
By fulfilling its LkSG due diligence obligations, DB Group addresses protection against soil damage and water pollution in the upstream value chain, among other things. As a preventive measure, we oblige our suppliers to comply with environmental standards by signing the DB Code of Conduct for Business Partners. This requires them to take action to protect biodiversity and ecosystems, among other things. In particular, they are expected to reduce their consumption of materials and resources, which is often associated with interventions in nature and areas requiring protection. If risks or violations of legal requirements occur, appropriate measures are taken to minimize the risk or to provide remedy. No such violations were reported in 2025.
Further information on implementation of the LkSG can be found under Policies (S2-1).
Action plans 2026
The aforementioned actions will continue in 2026 as described.