A third of the energy consumed and a quarter of the carbon dioxide emissions produced by trucks - that is the ecological balance sheet for DB Schenker Rail compared to trucks. Our active engagement in environmental protection aims to improve this result even further.

Cutting noise by half with whisper brakes

Noise is a non-negligible aspect of environmental stress in industrialized nations. To reduce noise exposure, DB Schenker Rail is using 'whisper brakes'.

These contain a new material for the brake blocks of freight cars. With this material we can reduce the noise emanating from trains by up to 10 decibels (dBA). Humans perceive this seemingly small difference as a 50% reduction in noise levels.

So that we actively contribute to protecting our environment from additional noise emissions, it is part of our corporate philosophy to apply this new standard to our existing freight cars step by step. It goes without saying that new freight cars are automatically equipped with this noise-reducing material.

Environment management system and waste disposal

With certification as a specialist waste disposal operator, DB Schenker Rail has extended its competencies in the area of waste and disposal logistics. We have proved to fully meet the strict requirements placed on specialist waste disposal operators in terms of organization, equipment and activities.

In May 2002, DB Schenker Rail introduced an environment management system as part of the integrated management system and had it certified in accordance with DIN EN ISO 14001. Thus, we can testify to controlled processes and process analysis with a view to optimizing performance.