VIB Vermögen AG has been committed to a long-term and sustainable growth strategy for more than 25 years. For us, it is paramount that our economic objectives go hand in hand with environmental and social responsibility, which we take extremely seriously. And our success proves us right: since its inception, VIB has grown into one of the most successful developers and portfolio managers of properties in the logistics / light industry and retail sectors in Germany.
ECONOMY FACTORS AS THE BASIS FOR SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
PROTECTING THE ENVIROMENT AND USING RESOURCES SUSTAINABLY
GOOD CORPORATE GOVERNANCE THROUGH RESPECT FOR LAWS AND VALUES
In order to increase transparency towards our stakeholders, VIB Vermögen AG has been reporting in detail on sustainability for many years.
In our Sustainability Report, we not only set out our sustainability strategy and the interplay between VIB and its stakeholders, but also report on the progress of current ESG projects. The report covers sustainable construction in logistics and the photovoltaic strategy of VIB, as well as topics such as occupational health and safety on our building sites, diversity and employee pension schemes.
In order to meet the growing demands in respect of data transparency, we also publish a sustainability report that meets the stringent criteria of the European Public Real Estate Association (EPRA). The EPRA, an organisation based in Brussels, represents the interests of listed European property companies and helps them raise their profile. We are particularly proud of the fact that VIB once again received the award for the highest transparency standard in the “Gold” category.
ESG ratings are becoming increasingly important as a decision-making factor for investors who are investing in certain asset classes, e.g. real estates. Also VIB Vermögen AG seeks to achieve even more transparency in this area. Therefore, the sustainability of our company has been assessed by the EPRA (European Public Real Estate Association) and the GRESB (Global Real Estate Benchmark) with good progress achieved in recent years.
For the years ahead, we have set ourselves the goal of continuously increasing the number/spectrum of ESG ratings for VIB. We regard transparent reporting as essential, as it fosters mutual trust between the capital market and the company.
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
categories "A" - "E"
| categories gold / silver / bronze / no Award | |
| 2021 | "B" ↑ | "GOLD" → |
| 2020 | "D" → |  "GOLD" ↑ |
| 2019 | "D" | NO AWARD |
| GRESB is a leading, investor-initiated rating system to present the sustainability performance for real estate companies and funds | EPRA evaluates the sustainability transparency of listed property companies using the EPRA Best Practice Sustainability Recommendations (sBPR). |
Properties in the logistics/light industry segment account for the lion’s share of our portfolio. The following example of an interactive logistics property illustrates that sustainability measures can still be taken at such specialist properties.
The rainwater that accumulates on the property is percolated and returned to the natural water cycle on-site. This measure promotes groundwater recharge and helps to mitigate the risk of local flooding.
The aprons around the rear unloading doors significantly reduce heat loss during loading and unloading operations.
The exterior walls and the roof are thermally insulated in accordance with the latest energy saving regulations. This reduces heat loss and allows various uses of the warehouse space.
A renewable energy generation system on the roof area feeds electricity into the grid and also offers the possibility of consuming the solar power in the property itself.
Due to incoming daylight, the warehouse space offers excellent working conditions and enables electricity savings due to reduced lighting requirements. Optionally, the skylight domes can also be used for daily ventilation.
If suitable, areas of the site will be turned into ecological compensation areas. In this way, any damage to nature and the landscape can, ideally, be compensated for directly on-site.
The foundation slab is constructed in line with increased flatness requirements as well as with few joints. Due to a sufficient load capacity, it is possible to use it for block storage as well as for storage in pallet racks.
Charging facilities for electrically powered vehicles will be set up at the parking spaces alongside the warehouse. The use of electric vehicles is already planned.
The warehouse lighting takes the form of energy-saving LED lights. These could also be optionally controlled by a presence detector. This means that the lighting is only used when it is needed.
Unloading form with 1.20 m loading sill, where goods are unloaded from the long side of the vehicle at warehouse level.
Unloading of vehicles without loading sill by means of forklift truck and direct ground level connection to the warehouse by means of a high-speed door.
Native hedges and tree species are a beautiful sight all year round. They pass through the stages of blossom, fruit and autumn leaves. They are also of great importance for native fauna. For example, they provide food for insects and birds and offer nesting places for birds. Native hedges and tree species are more resistant and less demanding.
Bee hotels serve as nesting places for bees and other insects. They are also used as wintering grounds.
Varied flowering areas are an important source of food for bees, butterflies and other insects. As well as being useful, they also visually enhance the property.
Many wild bee species nest in holes in the ground. One way of offering them space is to build a sandy area. This is an area of loose, sandy soil in which the bees lay their eggs. The sandy area can either be a flat surface or a hill.
With a lizard castle, you can attract reptiles and amphibians living in the surrounding area. The lizard castle serves as living space, as a place for sunbathing and as a space for the laying of eggs. The animals can also spend the winter in the castle.
For several years, VIB has been pursuing the goal of significantly expanding its photovoltaic capacity as part of its sustainability strategy. New-build projects are especially suitable in this regard, as crucial factors such as the load-bearing capacity of the roof, cables and the power of the electricity transformers can be taken into account during the planning phase. However, photovoltaics do not just have a role to play in terms of new builds. Where it is technically feasible and makes economic sense, we also review the option of retrofitting existing properties with solar installations.
In 2021, a PV capacity totalling 4,300 kWp was newly installed, more than doubling the total capacity within the VIB portfolio to some 8,300 kWp. This equates to a saving of 4,800 tonnes of CO2 or some 1.1 million litres of heating oil.
We plan to continue systematically pursuing this route. VIB plans to gradually expand this capacity and reach a total installed capacity of at least 20,000 kWp by 2025.
Strategic goal: to double capacity in 2021 (achieved) and to increase capacity fivefold until 2025!
With a view to making sustainable construction in the development of new properties measurable, building certification in accordance with internationally recognised standards is becoming more important. Alongside BREEAM certification, certification pursuant to the criteria of DGNB (the German Sustainable Building Council) is particularly widespread in Germany and has reached market coverage of 80% of new builds.
In 2021, VIB obtained certification for three new development projects in the areas of logistics and office space, with each building awarded the second highest category, DGNB Gold. DGNB certification not only encompasses environmental aspects, but instead adopts a holistic approach to analysing the entire life cycle of a property. Alongside environmental aspects, other criteria – such as long-term cost-effective use of the property, pollution control, ease of demolition and recycling, transport links and building accessibility – play a pivotal role.
| Property | USEFUL AREA | SEGMENT | CERTIFICATION |
|---|---|---|---|
| ESLARN | 9.400 m2 | Logistics / light industry |  |
| JUNKERSRING 7, INTERPARK | 7.100 m2 | Logistics / light industry | |
| REGENSBURG | 3.200 m2 | Office | |
The self-built company headquarters of VIB also sets the highest standards when it comes to environmental sustainability. The building, which boasts the latest standards in terms of cooling and air conditioning technology , only requires external sources of electricity to power the heat pumps. No fossil fuels are burnt at all. Furthermore, a ventilation system with heat recovery, LED lighting, charging stations for electric vehicles and green carport roofs can all be found on-site.
In addition, a photovoltaic installation is in place on the roof of the building. With output of 30 kWp per annum, the system’s savings work out at approx. 69 tonnes of CO2 since the system has been operational. As in the previous year, we also increased the share of total energy consumption attributable to renewable energies in 2020. In this regard, we are especially delighted that our electricity supply has been 100 per cent from renewable energy sources since the start of 2021, which is due to the conclusion of a new supply agreement with our energy supplier. From this point on, our company headquarters will be operated in a climate-neutral manner.
The sustainable commercial success of VIB is based on responsible, transparent governance geared towards long-term value creation. This is also particularly relevant in terms of day-to-day dealings with our business partners, our tenants and the numerous actors on the financial and capital markets.
The main principles and fundamental rules underpinning our actions and our conduct towards business partners and the general public are summarised in the Code of Conduct of VIB Vermögen AG. We regard this Code as a guidance framework for employees, executives, Managing Board members and Supervisory Board members of VIB.
The standards we set for ourselves also apply to the conduct of our business partners. To ensure a responsible partnership with a lasting future, we encourage them to establish and implement similar principles and values in their own organisation.
Dear Shareholders and all those interested in the VIB Vermögen AG, If you have questions, comments or a personal message for us, please send us an E-Mail and we will contact you as soon as possible.
VIB Vermögen AG
Michael Blankenhorn
Tilly-Park 1
86633 Neuburg an der Donau
Tel: +49 8431 9077 949
michael.blankenhorn@vib-ag.de
