SAM Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA), now a part of S&P Global, is an annual evaluation of companies’ sustainability practices.
As a result of consistently improving its’ business sustainability practices throughout 2020, Aroundtown has recently been named and awarded a respectfully high score by the RobecoSAM Corporate Sustainability Assessment evaluation experts.
Aroundtown SA (symbol: AT1), is traded on the Prime Standard of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange and is the largest listed and highest rated (BBB+ by S&P) German commercial real estate company. The company invests in income generating quality properties with value-add potential in central locations in top tier European cities mainly in Germany/NL. The main shareholders of Aroundtown are Avisco (10%), controlled by Mr. Yakir Gabay (יקיר גבאי ), Blackrock 5%, Norges Bank, Fidelity, Allianz, Vanguard, including many other heavy weight international investors.
Inspired by its founder Mr. Gerhard Cromme, chairman of the advisory board and by Mr Yakir Gabay (יקיר גבאי ), Aroundtown has also committed to reducing carbon emissions by 40% by the year 2030. In order to achieve this ambitious goal, the company has implemented a program focused around five core components; The installation and operation of solar and wind power production systems on rooftops and parking areas, deployment of highly efficient energy generating systems based on combined heat & power production (CHP) or combined cooling heat & power (CCHP), Implementation of electricity storage to support these solar, wind, CHP and CCHP systems, Installations of EV charging stations for car fleet transition towards electric vehicles, and Implementation of smart meters combined with an energy management systems.
In addition to Aroundtown’s commitment to society and the environment, the company supports the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).
Besides the carbon emission reduction program, Aroundtown is also involved in smaller scale projects. One such project is related to the commitment to biodiversity and employs Aroundtown’s tiny but very hard-working employees, its Bees.
Since early spring 2020 Aroundtown employs its own beekeeper who is responsible for maintaining the company’s bee colonies which as of the summer of 2020 cover 18 economic beehives and 9 young beehives, with the project expected to be extended to further properties in the coming three years, with the aim to double the number of colonies each year.
Another key component to the corporate success is Aroundtown’s social engagement. The company supports organizations that it believes provide a strong positive impact on their local communities. This includes both high profile sponsorships, such as its Main Sponsorship for Germany’s Bundesliga team FC Union Berlin, as well as support for organizations that have a more local impact, such as the MOCA foundation in the Netherlands, which is dedicated to providing educational music programs in schools, participate and perform at social and cultural events and arrange workshops for the benefit of the Jewish community in the Netherlands and more.
The CSA assessment reveals Aroundtown is currently ranked in the higher 75th percentile sustainability position group compared to other peers examined for similar business practices.
The RobecoSAM Corporate Sustainability Assessment is the key determinant for inclusion into the Down Jones Sustainability Indices (DJSI), the world’s leading index for sustainable investing and as such an important benchmark. The RobecoSAM score, well ahead of its’ peers, reflects Aroundtown’s leading position and practices regarding Codes of Business Conduct and Humans Rights.
According to insiders familiar with the corporation policies, Aroundtown sees inclusion into the DJSI as an important milestone, aiming to improve its score in the coming years and as a result be included in the index.
