This is Climate+

Freight transport by rail is already highly climate-friendly. (Emissions data | German Environment Agency) But it can be even more sustainable.

Climate+ is a modular product comprising the following components:

Use of 100% electricity from renewable energy sources

With this option, your transports on all electrified routes in Germany and other countries use 100% electricity from renewable energy sources. We determine the exact energy requirement for your transports using the independent EcoTransIT World tool (Transportemissionen berechnen | EcoTransIT World) and purchase the corresponding amount of electricity from renewable energy sources. In Germany, the use of renewable electricity is audited by TÜV SÜD. We certify the resulting CO2e savings with a certificate. The savings can be attributed to your carbon footprint.

Use of biofuel:

DB Cargo already operates around 95% of its transport services electrically today. (Level of electrification | Deutsche Bahn Annual Report 2025) With Climate+, we now enable you to save substantial amounts of CO2e on non-electrified routes as well. For diesel-operated rail routes within Germany, we exclusively use the biofuel HVO (“Hydrotreated Vegetable Oils”). This reduces your greenhouse gas emissions on a balance-sheet basis by around 85% compared with conventional diesel (Federal Ministry of Transport – FAQ on HVO 100). We use only HVO made from biological residues or waste materials in order to preserve land for food production. The HVO used is also palm-oil-free

Investment in climate action projects:

As part of Climate+, there is an option to offset remaining emissions generated during transport—for example through pre-carriage or onward carriage by truck. Supporting climate action projects therefore complements the use of electricity from renewable energy sources and biofuel. We first calculate the total CO2e emissions of the supply chain. You then decide the extent to which you wish to offset these emissions. To achieve our climate targets, DB Cargo works with  to invest in high-quality offset certificates (VERs and selected CERs) from projects certified to rigorous standards such as VCS + Social Carbon/CCBS or Gold Standard. The projects support the expansion of renewable energy and thus contribute to reducing CO2e emissions. Technology transfer and the development of local economic structures also strengthen development in the project regions.

Would you like to make a special contribution to climate action with Climate+? Please speak to your customer adviser.

Use of 100% renewable power:

By using 100% renewable power, your goods are transported CO2e-neutral* on all electrified routes in Germany and other countries. We determine the exact energy requirements of your shipments using the independent tool EcoTransIT World and purchase the corresponding amount of renewable power from renewable energy sources. The renewable power we purchase thus replaces what would otherwise have been conventional energy in the traditional traction energy mix. This directly protects the climate. The use of renewable energy in Germany is subject to audits by the TÜV SÜD technical inspection association. We provide you with a certificate for the CO2e savings made. These savings can then be taken into account in your carbon footprint. 

Use of biofuels:

DB Cargo already delivers around 95% of its transport volume on electrified routes. Through the exclusive use of biofuels we are now supporting you to save plenty of CO2e on non-electrified routes as well. We exclusively use fossil-free hydrotreated vegetable oils (HVO) for shunting services or on diesel-powered rail routes within Germany. This reduces your greenhouse gas emissions by around 90% compared to conventional diesel. We also offset residual emissions produced upstream. 
We only use HVO from biological residues and waste materials. This means that cultivable land for food is preserved. In addition, the HVO we use is free from palm oil. 

Investment in climate protection projects:

CO2e emissions cannot always be eliminated. In additon to the use of renewable energy and biofuels, we offset transport emissions which could not be avoided, e.g. the emissions produced by trucks in pre-carriage and onward carriage. To achieve this, we calculate the total CO2e emissions created by the supply chain. You decide how much of these emissions you would like to offset. Together with atmosfair we then invest in selected sustainability projects which meet both CDM and Gold Standard, thus fulfilling strict quality criteria. The projects foster the growth of renewable energy sources, thereby helping to reduce CO2e emissions. Additionally, they support sustainable development in the regions where they are taking place by promoting technology transfer and the creation of local economic structures. 

*DB Cargo ensures CO₂e neutrality by using 100% renewable energy, hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) and/or compensation schemes, depending on routes and requirements. DB Cargo offsets indirect and/or remaining emissions by participating in recognised climate protection projects in accordance with VCS, Social Carbon, CCB Standards and/or Gold Standard."

Are you interested? Please contact our customer advisor for more information!