Non-financial Declaration

Explanatory Information on the Content of the Report and the Framework

Vonovia SE (hereinafter referred to as Vonovia) is continuing on its path towards more integrated reporting on the company’s sustainability topics. Before reporting switches over to the framework set out in the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS) for the 2024 fiscal year, the report for the 2023 fiscal year is being published for the last time in accordance with the requirements set out in the Non-financial Reporting Directive (NFRD, Directive 2014/95/EU) in the form of this Non-financial Group Declaration. It has its legal basis in Sections 315b, 315c in conjunction with Section 289c to 289e HGB.  

When preparing this report, we use the recommendations made by the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD), which we describe in the section entitled Environmental Issues and take into account the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) framework for sustainability reporting in particular when it comes to describing the material topics and management approaches. Explanatory information on the provisions of the delegated act for Regulation (EU) 2020/852, subject to application of Articles 8 and 10 (EU taxonomy), is provided in the  EU Taxonomy Regulation section of this Non-financial Group Declaration.

The integrated approach taken by the Non-financial Group Declaration reflects our understanding of sustainability, which is also a key component of our corporate strategy and business processes. Consequently, information on sustainability is not limited to the Non-financial Group Declaration, but can be found throughout this annual report, such as in the description of our business model, in the risk assessment or in our corporate governance structure. Corresponding references point to chapters in the management report in which the required disclosures are reported. As such, we are underscoring our understanding of a sustainable business model in which all three dimensions of sustainability (ESG) are embedded within our sustainability strategy (see Fundamental Information About the Group).

The merger with Deutsche Wohnen SE (hereinafter referred to as Deutsche Wohnen) had been completed by the beginning of the 2023 fiscal year. Since this date, Vonovia and Deutsche Wohnen have been operating using joint systems and structures (see Fundamental Information About the Group). Deutsche Wohnen is therefore fully included in the consolidated financial statements and the Non-financial Group Declaration of Vonovia. Deutsche Wohnen will not be issuing its own non-financial declaration for the 2023 fiscal year, as it is exercising its rights under the simplifying provision for CSR reporting pursuant to Sections 289b (2) and 315b (2) HGB.

The company’s activities in Austria and Sweden are also covered by this Non-financial Group Declaration. This includes a full qualitative presentation of the non-financial information of the business entities. Due to the ongoing integration of the corresponding processes, the Group-wide consolidation of a few of the key performance indicators is still in the implementation phase. With respect to each key performance indicator, we make reference to the degree of KPI integration.

One exception is the independent Care segment, which was integrated into the Group as a whole by the Deutsche Wohnen subgroup. This segment was classified as a discontinued operation at the end of 2023 as a result of a strategic review (see Management System). We provide content on this segment as part of the corresponding material topic (see Social Issues: Homes That Meet People’s Needs and Demographic Change). The key figures presented in this Non-financial Group Declaration are largely collected and presented excluding the Care segment. This is based on materiality aspects (particularly with regard to the environment), processes that are not consistently established and definitions of key figures with a focus on the real estate sector. The presentation of the key figures in the context of the EU Taxonomy Regulation matches the disclosures in the Notes.

The main relevant non-financial performance indicators are reported – together with information on the underlying concepts and objectives – in the individual chapters covering the content in question. These are allocated to the legally mandated aspects – environmental issues, social issues, employee issues, combating corruption and bribery, and observance of human rights.

Six of the key figures listed in the Non-financial Group Declaration are non-financial performance indicators within the meaning of GAS 20, Paragraph 101 in conjunction with Paragraph 106. These are the key figures that together constitute the Sustainability Performance Index (SPI) since its introduction in 2021. The SPI, which is derived from the material sustainability topics, is a vital instrument in terms of managing, and in terms of the remuneration for, our sustainable activities. The SPI represents the leading non-financial performance indicator for the Vonovia Group (see  Management System).

Sustainability reporting for the reporting year is supplemented by other formats outside of this management report:

• Relevant key figures and data on the individual non-financial aspects for the fiscal year will be presented in an ESG Factbook, which is scheduled for publication in the second quarter of 2024.
• We will also once again be publishing a report in accordance with the requirements of the Sustainable Best Practice Recommendations (sBPR) of the European Public Real Estate Association (EPRA) and a reconciliation of our reporting to the Real Estate Sustainability Accounting Standard of the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB).
• On our Group website (www.vonovia.com), which was revamped in the reporting year, you can find further information on our sustainability strategy and topics – such as commitments and guidelines – as well as examples of implementation.
• The final aspect of sustainability reporting is participation in numerous ESG ratings.

The Non-financial Group Declaration is subjected to a separate limited assurance audit conducted by PwC GmbH Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft, Essen, in accordance with ISAE 3000. All references to content outside the Non-financial Group Declaration are further information and are not covered by the audit performed by the auditor of the annual financial statements. An exception to this rule applies to references to further chapters of the management report. These are covered by the audit.