Article: We design the digitalization of the railway efficiently and sustainably
DB Systel is the pioneer for sustainable digitalization. We minimize our own resource use and support our corporate partners in designing and implementing solutions on the way to their own goals. Thus, through responsible action, we align digitalization with sustainability.
Digitalization is a key tool for optimizing the efficiency and costs of Deutsche Bahn. IT simultaneously supports the conservation of resources and the achievement of sustainability goals. For example, data collection and simulations enable optimized timetables and fewer delays for the railway. However, IT itself is increasingly consuming more resources. The term “Green IT” stands for conscious, resource-conserving action in digitalization.
"We need approaches, on one hand, to consume as little energy as possible and to use regenerative energy in data centers. We consider this when selecting our providers. On the other hand, it's our data in the data centers. Here, we use approaches of energy-efficient programming."
Green IT – How we implement sustainability in IT
Green through IT
Digital solutions support Deutsche Bahn in saving resources and energy: Data-driven solutions in railway operations or maintenance allow environmental aspects in railway operation to be monitored and controlled specifically. For example, modern energy management for vehicles and buildings reduces resource consumption.
Green in IT
The energy and resource consumption of digitalization must not increase at the same rate as digitalization itself. DB Systel counteracts this with targeted measures: A sustainable, scalable IT infrastructure, resource-efficient software, and durable, recyclable hardware form the basis of our green IT.
Green IT connects digitalization and resource conservation
We live sustainability as part of our corporate culture and are pioneers of sustainable digitalization. The focus on sustainability is not contrary to the actual goals of digitalization: Here, efficiency, and thus cost reduction, is central. Therefore, DB Systel develops environmentally friendly solutions for Deutsche Bahn. Also, when selecting suppliers and solutions in the market, sustainability criteria play a significant role.
Sustainable railway and IT operations in practice
Efficiently "parking" trains
DB Systel, together with DB Regio, has developed a solution through which train drivers receive recommendations on how to park their train most efficiently. Because trains, depending on their series, have different "sleep states" with respective energy requirements. Depending on location, weather, planned downtime, or type of vehicle, the app finds the sleep state with the least energy consumption and ensures the train wakes up in time before its next deployment and is punctual at the platform.
Timetable optimization
Numerous projects and initiatives in the railway's business sectors focus on optimizing operational processes or frequencies: In maintenance, provision, and operations on the track. Here, digitalization concretely helps create efficiency and thus save resources.
Sustainable IT operations
DB Systel aims for climate neutrality among suppliers – like the cloud providers for the central cloud platforms of the railway. Furthermore, we operate applications energy-efficiently – the basis for this is laid in development. The optimization of data transfers, computational power, and data volumes offers savings potential of about 30 percent. This saves resources and reduces costs in operation.
Optimal hardware lifecycles
Longevity and energy efficiency are essential pillars. DB Systel procures sustainable devices and supports energy-efficient and long-term use.At the end of the usage period at Deutsche Bahn, the hardware is refurbished and given a "second product life."
Are you looking for more examples of sustainable digitalization? Through studies, our guidelines, and data from successful projects, we can gladly explain how the commitment to sustainability impacts practice.If you have questions about Green IT or a specific challenge, we are happy to assist.
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