Article: Green pioneers: Volkswagen Group Logistics and DB Cargo Logistics push forward with climate-friendly logistics
Volkswagen Group Logistics is once again a pioneer in carbon neutral* logistics and is the first customer of DB Cargo Logistics to use 100 per cent renewable power on electrified routes for rail transport between the Czech Republic and Germany. Volkswagen was already the first user of renewable power by rail in Poland and will now also be using climate-friendly transport in the Czech Republic.
Renewable power for the environment-friendly supply chain
Transports using green electricity enable DB Cargo customers to have a carbon neutral supply chain on electrified routes. The service has been available in Germany since 2010 and has been gradually expanded to the Netherlands, Austria and Poland. "Volkswagen has now joined us in paving the way for climate-friendly logistics in the Czech Republic as well," explains Laura Decker, Senior Consultant Sales at DB Cargo Logistics. As DB Cargo Logistics had no comparable projects in the Czech Republic to date, the implementation and certification of the renewable power offer was a particular challenge, which was realised in part thanks to the cooperation with the partner ČD Cargo. The foundation stone has been laid with the aim of being able to offer other customers carbon neutral transport in the Czech Republic in the future.
Partnership in terms of sustainability
DB Cargo Logistics and Volkswagen Group Logistics have enjoyed a strong partnership for many years with a clear focus on climate-friendly logistics. The carbon neutral transports in the Czech Republic are a further aspect of the goTOzero impact logistics strategy, with which Volkswagen Group Logistics is focussing on the use of the most energy-efficient modes of transport. The carbon neutral supply chain is being established step by step. This now includes around 300 block trains and numerous single wagon transports with finished vehicles and components between Germany and the Mladá Boleslav and Solnice sites in the Czech Republic – and everything is carbon neutral.
* 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.