Working towards sustainability in the Foundation
Isabel Winarsch für VolkswagenStiftung
Ensuring sustainability is a matter of particular concern to all of us at the Foundation. We are aware of our responsibility to act in a resource-saving manner, and over the past few years we have intensified our efforts in this direction. Here you can read about the steps we have already taken and the future goals we have in mind.
The Volkswagen Foundation has had a focus on sustainability for some time. In 2011, for example, a first environmental working group was set up, followed by a second initiative in 2019. On both occasions, all employees were invited to contribute their ideas for a more environmentally aware and climate-friendly workplace – and a large number participated. In the meantime, the many measures already implemented are already having an impact – but there is still a lot to do.
Sustainability report
The report "On the Way to a Sustainable Foundation" (German only) shows what the Foundation has already achieved with its sustainability efforts and what it has in mind going forward. The measures taken so far are just the first steps toward making the Volkswagen Foundation more environmentally and climate friendly. In 2024, a first sustainability report will be prepared that will meet the standard of the German Sustainability Code and document further progress.
Insights: Some examples of how we act sustainably
Borja Bonaque für VolkswagenStiftung
1000 m3 of potable water is saved annually by using rainwater and water from the Foundation's own well.
Borja Bonaque für VolkswagenStiftung
Saving energy: Many measures such as new insulated windows and modern heating technology have significantly reduced gas and electricity consumption.
Borja Bonaque für VolkswagenStiftung
Roof greening: 1000 sqm of green roof contribute to climate improvement – and in the building to temperature equalization.
Borja Bonaque für VolkswagenStiftung
Paperless office: When we do have to print or copy, it is always on both sides of the page, on recycled paper, and with ink from refillable cartridges.
Borja Bonaque für VolkswagenStiftung
Vertical garden: The Foundation had a plant wall installed next to its entrance in 2021: Instead of concrete, it is now green.
Borja Bonaque für VolkswagenStiftung
4700 kilos of fresh vegetables per year: Regional, seasonal, and also a daily vegetarian option in the restaurant. All perfectly natural for our kitchen team.
Borja Bonaque für VolkswagenStiftung
Media technology: Modern video conferencing technology enables a "face-to-face" without having to travel.
Borja Bonaque für VolkswagenStiftung
Busy bees: Two colonies with 100,000 bees ensure that flowering plants are pollinated – and not only on our own premises.
Borja Bonaque für VolkswagenStiftung
Bike instead of car: Not only do many employees like to use their bicycles, but the Foundation's logistics team also frequently relies on muscle power for errands free of CO2 emissions.
Borja Bonaque für VolkswagenStiftung
Native plants: For outdoors, the Foundation relies on native plants, selecting species that also provide food for insects.
Borja Bonaque für VolkswagenStiftung
Illustration of the Foundations main building.