Joining forces for the sector
The effects of climate change require a huge transformation by companies. Hardly any other sector has such tremendous potential to contribute to sustainable development in Germany. We can only realise this potential by working together. That is why we are committed to increasing cooperation in our sector in order to jointly develop innovative solutions and create standards.
This commitment and a regular dialogue enable us to take future regulatory requirements into account, identify new trends at an early stage and implement pioneering processes.
Read on to find out which associations we are involved in and what our guiding principles are.
BVI guidelines for sustainable real estate portfolio management
The German Investment Funds Association (BVI) represents the interests of the German investment sector at national and international level. Its 100+ members manage around EUR 4 trillion of investment capital for private investors, insurance companies, pension funds, banks, churches and foundations. Deka Immobilien is a long-standing member and regularly participates in meetings of the EU and International Affairs committees and the Responsible Investment and Sustainability in Real Estate Funds working groups.
By recognising the BVI guidelines for sustainable portfolio management, we document our commitment to sustainability in an ongoing optimisation process. The aim is to increase the transparency and assessment of the sustainability of real estate or real estate portfolios.
BVI guidelines for sustainable real estate portfolio management
German Property Federation (ZIA) sector code
The German Property Federation (ZIA) e. V. is the leading umbrella association for the property sector. Through its members, which include more than 25 associations, it represents the entire industry along the real estate value chain. As an umbrella organisation of entrepreneurs and associations, it gives the entire property sector a voice at national and European level – as well as in the Federation of German Industries (BDI).
Deka Immobilien regularly participates in the Corporate Social Responsibility committee and the Climate Protection Plan 2050/Inventory working group to keep up-to-date on and discuss current political and legal developments. As an active member of the ZIA, Deka Immobilien contributes to strengthening transparency and professionalism in the real estate sector.
UN Global Compact
Deka Immobilien signed the UN Global Compact in 2015 and is formally committed to upholding the initiative’s 10 principles in the areas of human rights, labour standards, the environment and anti-corruption. The United Nations Global Compact pursues the vision of an inclusive and sustainable global economy for the benefit of all people, communities and markets, both today and in the future.
German Sustainability Code
In December 2013, DekaBank recognised the German Sustainability Code as a binding set of rules. The code was drawn up by the German Council for Sustainable Development following an extensive dialogue with representatives of large corporations and medium-sized companies, as well as financial analysts and service providers. Its aim is to develop a declaration on the environmental, social and economic dimensions of sustainability that is easy to implement, can be applied to the essence of a company’s business model and includes sustainable corporate governance criteria.
Signatory to the UN Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI)
The PRI is an investor initiative that comprises six core principles for responsible investment. Its goal is to achieve a better understanding of the impact of environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors for investors and to help signatories incorporate these topics into their investment decisions. By signing the PRI, we have committed ourselves to its six core principles (such as incorporation and disclosure of ESG topics) and to annual reporting. In this way, we contribute to a more sustainable global financial system.
The six principles
- We will incorporate ESG issues into investment analysis and decision-making processes.
- We will be active owners and incorporate ESG issues into our ownership policies and practices.
- We will seek appropriate disclosure on ESG issues by the entities in which we invest.
- We will promote acceptance and implementation of the Principles within the investment industry.
- We will work together to enhance our effectiveness in implementing the Principles.
- We will each report on our activities and progress towards implementing the Principles.
Minimum safeguards according to EU taxonomy
Companies have a responsibility to ensure that their activities respect and protect human rights. This includes the implementation of a so-called minimum protection or minimum standard that ensures compliance with the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises and the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. This also includes the fundamental principles and rights set out in the eight core conventions of the International Labour Organisation, as set out in the Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work, and in the International Charter of Human Rights.
Deka Immobilien recognizes its corporate and social responsibility and includes ecological and social aspects as well as criteria of good corporate governance in its decisions.
EcoVadis sustainability ratings
Deka Immobilien was ranked in the top 35% of companies assessed in the EcoVadis sustainability ratings. The company’s extensive guidelines and measures in the sectors: environment, reducing carbon emissions, ethics, workers’ rights and human rights were noted as special highlights. Deka Immobilien focuses on using renewable energy, reducing energy consumption and integrating climate-related criteria into the investment process. Part of the Deka Group, Deka Immobilien promotes diversity & inclusion and demonstrates strong performance in the areas of corruption prevention and data protection.
You can find more information on the EcoVadis website
