Deutsche Bahn AG aims to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2040. This goal is supported by an implementation plan and validated by the renowned and independent Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). Since the beginning of 2025, all train stations, maintenance depots, office buildings, and facilities in Germany supplied by DB Energie GmbH have been powered by 100 percent renewable power. Deutsche Bahn AG aims to use the energy it consumes as efficiently as possible. To this end, Deutsche Bahn AG is developing technical solutions to increase the productivity of its facilities and automate processes. For example, the doors of maintenance depots are being retrofitted with sensor-based automatic closing mechanisms to reduce heat loss and save heating energy.
Saving heating energy "automatically"
The automatic opening and closing of the depot doors works with laser technology: a sensor detects trains the incoming and outgoing trains inside and outside the depot hall. When a train is detected, the door opens automatically and remains open while the train passes through. Once the train has cleared the doorway, the door closes again automatically after a short time. Forklifts and cargo bikes passing in front of the entrance are recognized as cross traffic, keeping the doors shut. The new locking technology has several advantages: in winter, heat loss could be reduced and heating energy could be saved. Thanks to optimized opening times, the hall stays warmer for longer and cools down less quickly.
At select locations, a 10 to 15 percent reduction in heating energy was observed over the one-year measurement period. In addition, vehicle dispatchers no longer have to operate the warehouse doors manually, thereby eliminating additional trips to and from work.In addition, since self-closing doors prevent mice or birds from straying into the halls, cleaning efforts are also reduced.
Retrofitting at DB Regio
By the end of 2025, DB Regio has converted a total of 50 hall gates in over ten DB Regio depots to the modern locking technology - including the hall gates in the Münster, Kiel, Trier and Hanover depots.
At the same time, there will continue to be depot doors where conversion to automatic control is not worthwhile — for example, where doors are used only rarely or specific operational requirements speak against it.
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