DEContacttraigo

Methodology & Evidence

How we determine our sustainability statements

This page explains the data basis, calculation methods, assumptions, and sources underlying our sustainability statements. It provides context for comparative figures, targets, and progress metrics, and transparently outlines their significance and limitations.

1. Rail vs. Road Transport – Comparative Figures

According to TREMOD 6.71B (German Environment Agency), average greenhouse gas emissions in rail freight transport are 14 g CO₂e/tkm, compared with 118 g CO₂e/tkm in road freight transport, representing a calculated difference of approximately 88%. Example calculation: For 1,000 tonne-kilometers (tkm), the difference (118 − 14 g CO₂e/tkm) corresponds to a saving of approximately 104 kg CO₂e. TREMOD 6.71B is a version of the TREMOD (Transport Emission Model) calculation model published by the German Environment Agency (Umweltbundesamt), which provides specific greenhouse gas emission factors for transportation in Germany (published in fall 2025 based on data for the year 2024).


These figures are nationwide average values by mode of transport and do not represent the result of a specific VTG transport operation. The actual climate impact of an individual transport chain depends on factors such as route, load factor, first-mile and last-mile transport, traction type, and energy source, and may therefore differ.


Sources:



2. Customer-Related Emissions Reduction Through Modal Shift to Rail


VTG supports customers in shifting suitable transport operations to rail. Whether and to what extent this reduces greenhouse gas emissions depends on the individual transport chain, including route, load factor, first-mile and last-mile transport, traction type, and electricity mix. For companies with transport-intensive supply chains, modal shift can be a measure to reduce Scope 3 Category 4 emissions. The specific impact must be calculated individually and is not generally quantified as the “largest” or “most effective” contribution.
Sources:



3. Our Climate Pathway: Scope 1 & 2

  • Target: Reduce absolute combined market-based Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by at least 50% by 2030 compared with the 2021 base year.

  • Progress in 2025: 10,424.5 t CO₂e (market-based), approximately 57% below 2021 levels. The primary driver of this reduction was the discontinuation of the railway undertaking business, not exclusively operational efficiency measures.

  • Long term: VTG is pursuing a decarbonization target for 2040, which is to be translated into an ESRS-compliant transition plan by 2027. The scope of the target, measures, resources, and governance structure will be published following internal approval. The plan is currently under development.

  • The term “climate-neutral fleet” refers to a future target state and not the fleet's current status.


Sources:



4. Scope 3


For 2025, 161,219.7 t CO₂e of Scope 3 emissions were recorded. Due to limited data availability, particularly regarding leased assets (Category 13: Downstream Leased Assets) and emissions associated with steel procurement for maintenance and repair purposes (Category 1: Purchased Goods and Services), the inventory is not yet complete. Category coverage, estimation methods, and data quality are documented in the Sustainability Report 2025. VTG is continuously working to improve data quality and expand Scope 3 coverage.


Source:


5. Embedding Sustainability in the Company

Climate protection, occupational safety, supply chain management, and compliance are embedded in VTG’s sustainability strategy and related responsibilities. Progress is reported through topic-specific metrics, including emissions, energy, resource consumption, occupational safety, and supply chain performance, rather than through a single overall sustainability score.

Source:



6. Energy Consumption at Production Sites


Energy consumption at the five reported production and maintenance workshops decreased from 26,220 MWh (2024) to 24,599 MWh (2025). This is an absolute consumption figure. Without reference to production output, it does not allow conclusions to be drawn about energy efficiency. Contributing factors and energy intensity are reported separately.


Source:



7. Certified Management Systems


Certified management systems in accordance with ISO 50001 and ISO 14001 are in place at selected companies and locations. Certification confirms the respective management system, but does not automatically demonstrate a specific environmental impact. Certification scope and validity are linked separately, while environmental performance indicators are reported independently.


Sources:



8. Occupational Safety: Zero Harm


Zero Harm, meaning zero recordable workplace accidents, is VTG’s long-term occupational safety ambition and not a status that has already been achieved. Progress is tracked through measures such as the LTIFR (Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate) and defined preventive actions.


Source:


9. Diversity & Inclusion


VTG considers diverse perspectives to be an important component of an inclusive corporate culture. Progress is reported through representation metrics.


Source:

Our sustainability strategy

Our sustainability strategy shows how these figures and goals contribute to our overall strategy.

Learn more about our sustainability strategy.

Environment & Social Affairs

You can find specific measures and key figures relating to environmental and social responsibility on our Environment & Social page.

Learn more about Environment & Social Affairs.
Methodology for sustainability claims | VTG