Environment

Lighthouse projects

DB Schenker aims to become the leading 'Green Logistics' service provider and to reduce its CO2 emissions by 20% by 2020. To achieve these targets, DB Schenker has defined various 'lighthouse projects' to optimise its energy consumption.

Green logistics network
DB Schenker offers its customers the least environmentally polluting transport alternatives by offering all the different modes:

• combined transport via DB Intermodal
• Railports, a European option consisting of logistics warehouses with a railway connection
• DB SCHENKERskybridge combines maritime transport and air freight
• a green competence centre to assist customers and our own staff

Green road
This lighthouse project comprises a package of measures to substantially reduce emissions from road transport activities:

• eco-driving, whereby lorry drivers take courses and undergo training in environmentally friendly driving
• the bundling of European road traffic services by using strategically located hubs and avoiding driving empty
• restricting the speed of certain vehicles on certain routes
• a modern, energy-efficient fleet of vehicles (Eur5 engines)
• regular and fixed freight services between cities and optimal loading of lorries
• intelligent city logistics with flexible and intelligent routes
• testing of new environmentally friendly fuels

In Belgium almost all DB Schenker's own vehicles are fitted with Eur5 engines and subcontractors are encouraged to switch to more environmentally friendly engines. In addition, eco-driving courses are a matter of course, both for our own drivers and those of our long-term subcontractors.

Green products
DB Schenker Rail has launched the Eco Plus product, whereby we use renewable energy to ensure that trains do not emit any CO₂. DB Schenker guarantees the use of renewable energy. For example, this may be provided from hydroelectric power stations by internal service provider DB Energy. Such energy sources have zero CO₂ emissions.

Green terminals
In existing terminals and warehouses, DB Schenker seeks to handle energy more efficiently and limit emissions. In new-build warehouses, sustainable construction methods will be employed and the use of photovoltaic and solar panels, natural cooling systems and other environmentally friendly solutions encouraged.

The FMCG warehouse in Willebroek has triple-layer roof insulation and an environmentally friendly installation that uses cold external air to cool the inside of the building at night. In all warehouses across all industries, existing light bulbs are being replaced with low-energy ones.

Last modified: 19.09.2011