Sustainability
Protect and Improve Biodiversity
As part of its ESG Strategy roadmap, the Group developed a Group biodiversity strategy and policy. The goal of the policy is to put Europe’s biodiversity on a path to recovery by 2030. The biodiversity Group strategy is based on the following four pillars:
Protect nature
Respect protected areas and sites with high biodiversity value and stakes
Restore nature
restore nature, first where such an investment is most meaningful and advance sustainable management across the value chain
Enable transformative change
Enable change through education of own workforce and stakeholders; seek to strengthen use of green financing framework.
Actions to support biodiversity outside of value chain
Deploy actions outside of immediate value chain through continuation of VGP Foundation nature projects
Procurement Strategy
VGP’s procurement strategy focuses on fairness, quality, long-term partnerships, and regulatory compliance. Key criteria include:
- 100% FSC or PEFC certified timber
- At least 70% waste recycling
- Traceability of managed waste
- Minimizing noise, visual, soil, water, and air pollution
EU Taxonomy Compliance for Land Acquisition
The Group’s due diligence procedures align with EU Taxonomy to avoid new developments on:
- Greenfield land with high biodiversity value or endangered species habitats
- Protected forests as defined by national law
- Arable and crop land with moderate to high soil fertility and biodiversity
Development projects are prioritized on brownfield sites with existing infrastructure. In 2024, 100% of land acquired was within development areas.
Biodiversity Initiatives in VGP Parks
VGP manages 2.01 million square meters of green surface in existing parks, enhancing biodiversity through BREEAM Excellent/DGNB Gold standards and biodiversity action plans.
Renaturation and Biodiversity Projects
By 2030, VGP aims to implement renaturation or biodiversity projects in all standing assets, increasing green spaces and biodiversity.
Ecosystem Protection Outside VGP’s Value Chain
The Group invested in a Verra-compliant agriculture project in Denmark to remove carbon and store it in the soil.
Case study
VGP Park Magdeburg Sülzetal – Enhancing Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services
Integrating Biodiversity into Industrial Development
VGP Park Magdeburg, located in Osterweddingen, Sülzetal, demonstrates a commitment to sustainability and biodiversity conservation, aligning with EU Taxonomy objectives. The park integrates ecological measures to balance economic growth and environmental responsibility.
Key Biodiversity and Habitat Restoration Initiatives
- European Field Hamster Protection: 28.4 hectares of designated habitat ensure the long-term viability of this strictly protected species without forced relocation.
- Green Infrastructure: 50% of non-built areas are covered with native trees and shrubs, creating wildlife corridors and enhancing climate resilience.
- Sustainable Water and Soil Management: Permeable surfaces in parking areas improve rainwater infiltration, while natural drainage systems enhance erosion control and water retention.
- Pollinator & Habitat Support: Meadow and grassland areas foster pollinators, with nesting sites for birds and insects, contributing to carbon sequestration and ecosystem restoration.