E5-2 – Actions and Resources Related to Resource Use and Circular Economy

Vonovia implements the following actions on a permanent basis across the Group to address the policies described in E5-1 and the material impacts described in that section:

Space efficiency: When planning new builds, Vonovia takes care to ensure optimal space efficiency across the Group, with simple cubic volumes and compact floor plans that result in efficient resource and energy consumption per square meter of living area and per resident.

Floor plans suitable for a wide variety of lifestyles: During the planning stages, we pay particular attention to ensuring that floor plans are suitable for a wide variety of lifestyles. This means that we design buildings in such a way that rental apartments can be extended or reduced in size at short notice and with minimal spending on materials if need be at a later date, or converted into offices or doctors’ surgeries, for example. These measures increase the appeal and lifespan of the property and reduce the resources required for any conversion work. As part of this action, we have developed an Excel tool for the integrated calculation of greenhouse gases, primary energy requirements and circularity (ÖBIGK), which determines the total quantities and recyclability of the various structural elements in our new builds in accordance with ISO 20887. This tool is used for all projects in the early planning phase.

Modular construction and modernization: a key lever for reducing resource requirements lies in the use of modular construction and modernization. Prefabricating building components optimizes the use of material and minimizes waste on the construction site. In series production, any quantities remaining, for example from blow-in insulation, can be collected and fed back into the production process. Vonovia has concluded a strategic partnership with Gropyus, a company that has developed an innovative manufacturing process for modular timber construction. In 2024 and in the reporting year, a total of four projects comprising 373 residential units were approved and launched. Thanks to prefabrication, these projects will reduce the use of mineral, non-renewable raw materials and increase the use of biological raw materials, such as wood and cellulose. Further projects using this method are in the planning stages.

When it comes to modernization, too, we are increasingly focusing on a high degree of prefabrication, which also saves resources compared to conventional modernization methods and significantly reduces waste on the construction site. In the reporting year, we performed serial modernization work on 145 residential units in various locations. Work also commenced on a further 265 residential units in the reporting year. As part of the growth strategy and contribution to Vonovia’s climate pathway, the company will continue to expand its serial modernization efforts significantly over the coming years.

Promoting innovation: Vonovia launched the Vonovia Construction Contest in 2024 to identify innovative construction products and materials. The evaluation criteria used in the competition include the recyclability of the solutions, either through the extensive use of recycled materials or through the particularly good reusability or recyclability of the construction products.

Minimum standards for suppliers and business partners: in general, all contractors working on our construction sites are also contractually obliged, under our Business Partner Code, to comply with the statutory provisions governing the separation, recycling and disposal of materials.