This is Climate+

Freight transport by rail is already highly climate-friendly (external link: 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 (external link: 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 (external link: 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.