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When it comes to climate action, it’s not about choosing between making a big impact or focusing on small, individual efforts. The real question is: how can we do both? At DB Schenker, we’re achieving exactly that. While large-scale initiatives drive systemic change at the company level, the GreenCulture Challenge inspires individual engagement. Through the app, employees can track their contributions and see how they add up within their team or business unit.
Points for Voluntary Training
The app also highlights various ways employees can make a difference. One example is a voluntary training module offered on the Learning Portal, which focuses on seemingly small changes that can reduce emissions. “Because the training is optional, we’ve created a meaningful incentive for employees to take part,” explains Anna Killich, Head of Talent Acquisition Hub Europe and a member of the GreenCulture project team. Every participant earns 1,000 points upon completing the course. “If an entire team commits to the training, they could climb significantly in the Challenge rankings,” Killich adds. To participate in the voluntary training click on this link.
“If an entire team completes the training, they could make a big leap in the rankings.”
– Anna Killich, Head of Talent Acquisition Hub Europe and GreenCulture Project Team Member
What About the “Big Projects”?
While GreenCulture emphasizes small, individual climate actions—both solo and as part of a team—it’s equally important to recognize DB Schenker’s global initiatives aimed at reducing the company’s overall carbon footprint. Here are a few key examples:
Land Transport
In autumn 2024, we deployed our first electric truck for international linehaul operations. The fully electric Volvo FH Electric can transport up to 44 tons of cargo over 300 kilometers without recharging, shuttling between Dortmund, Germany, and Eupen, Belgium. Additionally, since April 2024, a hydrogen-powered truck has been in operation in the Passau region. Used 220 days per year for local transport, this vehicle moves seven tons of cargo over 225 kilometers per trip, saving 30 tons of CO2 annually.
Air Freight
As part of what CEO Jochen Thewes calls “building a global green network,” DB Schenker offers customers sustainable air freight options with Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Since 2021, customers have been able to opt for biofuels at any airport worldwide, regardless of the aircraft or carrier. In 2021 alone, this initiative saved over 33,000 tons of CO2e. In 2024, DB Schenker joined Cathay Pacific’s SAF program, committing to purchase 878 tons of SAF, making it the program’s largest supporter globally.
Ocean Freight
In 2023, DB Schenker and Volvo Cars launched a partnership for low-emission ocean freight. This initiative involves transporting 12,000 TEU containers using biofuels, reducing CO2 emissions by approximately 84% compared to fossil fuels. Over a year, this equates to nearly 9,000 tons of CO2 saved.
Team CEO-Office / Marketing / Communications / Sustainability Takes the Lead
While DB Schenker achieves significant progress on a global scale, individual employees are making their mark through teamwork. In the early weeks of the GreenCulture Challenge, nearly 30 teams have already joined to save CO2 and earn points. Leading the rankings as of November 26, 2024, is the “CEO-Office / Marketing / Communications / Sustainability” team with 71,697 points, followed by the “Region Mitte / Frankfurt” team (60,485 points) and the “Dortmund Land” team (48,280 points).
