VGP NV, a European provider of state-of-the-art logistics and semi-industrial real estate, today published a Corporate Responsibility Report for 2021. The report details the Group’s achievements and progress towards its objectives, and emphasizes its commitment to strengthening sustainability in its day-to-day activities. VGP’s key objective is to align the performance of its portfolios with the objectives of the Paris Agreement. It supports its clients in implementing their decarbonisation strategies – an effort that will soon lead to measures that will help guide the world towards achieving clean zero carbon emissions by 2050.
“Sustainability is one of our core values and is reflected in our guiding principle: ‘building tomorrow today’. I am proud that, despite the challenging conditions of VGP in 2021, it has made further progress in critical areas such as climate protection, sustainable construction and recyclable materials, ”said Jan Van Geet, CEO of VGP. “Pandemics, the increasingly visible effects of climate change and the war in Ukraine have had and will continue to have profound and lasting effects on business and society as we know them today. Today, more than ever, it is necessary to focus on sustainability, which is a key factor in long-term business success. We must not lose sight of what is most important for the survival of our planet: achieving carbon neutrality as soon as possible. ”
The use of state-of-the-art technologies and energy efficiency are the main parameters of the commercial real estate that VGP is building. The company is committed to reducing net carbon emissions in its in-use portfolio by 55% by 2030 and, with regard to new construction, aims to obtain sustainability certification of DGNB Gold or its equivalent.
The Group remains committed to achieving carbon neutrality in its operations by 2025, which was also supported by a virtual electricity purchase agreement for VGP offices across Europe, which have been powered by 100% solar energy since 1 January 2022.
The social environment is an important pillar of our sustainability efforts. Today, more than ever, the Group seeks to connect with communities and stakeholders and build on the strengths each has in its efforts to create common values. Founded in 2019, the VGP Foundation is committed to promoting biodiversity, new opportunities for disadvantaged communities and the preservation of Europe’s cultural heritage. The Foundation has already identified 29 projects dealing with social issues and the protection of nature and cultural wealth, and has so far received more than € 7 million in funding from VGP. VGP continues to be committed to building an inclusive work environment that supports the diversity of its people.
