E5-1 – Strategies Related to Resource Use and Circular Economy

Vonovia’s business strategy is geared toward extending the life of our buildings by modernizing buildings and neighborhoods with a view to the long term. This is why we are creating additional homes using resource-efficient strategies, namely by means of vertical expansion on top of existing buildings. This approach requires fewer resources than new construction, as existing building structures can be used and extra stories are usually added using timber frame construction methods.

Vonovia also has a climate, environmental and energy policy that addresses the issues of resource use and circular economy. In this policy, Vonovia expresses its commitment to promoting the use of resource-conserving and recyclable materials, products and services at all stages in its value chain. This applies to the impacts in both the upstream (reduction in resource use, use of materials made of secondary and renewable raw materials) and the downstream value chain (better options for reuse or recyclability). The climate, environmental and energy policy was approved by the Management Board and applies across the Group. The business areas are responsible for implementing it. The policy is published on both the intranet and the Internet, and can be consulted by all employees and external stakeholders.

We are aiming to establish the circular economy as an element of sustainable construction and, in the long term, to increase the use of renewable raw materials and reduce the use of virgin resources in our construction products as well as to promote a closed material loop in the building sector by using recycled materials.

In 2024, our development subsidiary BUWOG implemented a sustainability standard for development (NHSD) that is applied to all project developments. This sets out the requirement to extend the useful life of buildings by incorporating a large proportion of floor plans that are suitable for a large variety of lifestyles. To ensure the successful establishment of the NHSD, BUWOG has introduced a review of the aspects covered by the standard within the milestones set as part of the planning process.