Sustainable values

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    Sustainable values

    How sustainability shapes our supplier relationships

    Deutsche Bahn AG is committed to corporate social responsibility through its Strong Rail strategy.  Within the framework of applicable legislation, we comply with human rights and environmental due diligence requirements in our business operations. We expect the same not only from our business partners but also from indirect suppliers to enable a strong and fair partnership built on trust. In addition, Procurement at Deutsche Bahn AG supports the Group's sustainability goals by adding value in the four action fields of climate protection, resource protection, nature conservation, and noise control. We take a circular approach.  This means sustainability is a key value driver for DB's procurement and a strategic competitive factor. Sustainability criteria are increasingly influencing our supplier relationships and procurement decisions, and our suppliers are making an important contribution to implementing Strong Rail.

    Transparent standards: Our Code of Conduct for Business Partners

    We need strong partners in transparent supply chains to help us make the greatest possible contribution to sustainable mobility development. With their sustainability efforts and innovative drive, our suppliers play an active role in our joint business success.g.

    Our Code of Conduct for Business Partners serves as the starting point for sustainable supply chain design and concrete procurement decisions.

    It is the basis for all new contracts. We regularly review compliance with the Code as part of on-site audits. We also offer an e-learning course  for all our business partners and other stakeholders. Here, we explain the key requirements and principles for working with the DB Group, including compliance with ethical standards, in a concise and descriptive form.  

    View the DB code of conduct

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    Achieving more together

    We cooperate with the partners of the Railsponsible rail initiative to shape and improve sustainable supply chains in the rail transport sector.  The initiative for responsible procurement management focuses on climate protection and the safeguarding of minimum social standards in supply chains. What we expect from our suppliers and interface partners:

    • Compliance with DB's basic requirements from the Code of Conduct for Business Partners
    • Review of business processes through an independent sustainability assessment (EcoVadis or equivalent)
    • Greater buy-in for environmental and social criteria in contract awards
    • Consideration of becoming a member of Railsponsible
    • Support for the development of an integrated industry solution for sustainability.

    More about Railsponsible

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