Climate-friendly building stock
Climate change also poses significant challenges for the housing sector. For GWH, this means taking a close look at the environmental impact of its own business activities—namely, the development and management of housing. At the same time, it is essential to safeguard the long-term value of its real estate portfolio.
The construction and real estate sector accounts for approximately 37 percent of global CO₂ emissions and thus plays a central role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. In addition to environmental concerns, economic factors are increasingly coming into focus: rising energy prices, investments in climate protection measures, and adaptations to changing climatic conditions are influencing the strategic management of housing companies. At the same time, new opportunities are emerging—such as through digital solutions designed to improve the energy efficiency of buildings.
The GWH decarbonization strategy
Against this backdrop, GWH developed an industry-specific decarbonization strategy as early as 2020. This strategy was further refined in 2023 in line with the target pathway of the Carbon Risk Real Estate Monitor (CRREM).
It identifies key levers for reducing CO₂ emissions and supports GWH in further developing its real estate portfolio along a transformation path that is compatible with the 1.5-degree target.
In 2025, the calculation methodology for the decarbonization strategy was revised to ensure greater comparability with industry standards and the CRREM approach. Instead of the previous benchmark of kg CO₂/m²/year of living space, figures are now reported on the basis of kg CO₂/m²/year of floor area.
The GWH carbon footprint
Our decarbonization strategy focuses primarily on the building-related CO₂ emissions from our portfolio. To also account for all significant emissions along the value chain, we have been preparing a comprehensive carbon footprint report since 2022.
This is carried out in accordance with Scopes 1, 2, and 3, based on the Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHG Protocol). It provides a transparent overview of both direct emissions and upstream and downstream emissions, and serves as the foundation for the targeted management of our climate protection measures.
Our goals for a climate-friendly building stock
- Reduce the CO₂ intensity of the existing building stock to 14.4 kg CO₂/m² of floor area per year by 2030
- Reduction of energy consumption in existing buildings to 86.9 kWh per square meter of floor space per year by 2030
- Increase the share of renewable energy for general electricity use in the building stock and in administrative operations to 100% by 2030
Making progress visible
New construction and management of existing properties
To reduce energy consumption and CO₂ emissions, GWH relies on an integrated package of measures combining structural and technical approaches. Energy-efficiency retrofits are being implemented in existing buildings, particularly by improving the building envelope for thermal insulation, as well as through the use of efficient heating technologies such as heat pumps or the switch to district heating in accordance with the Building Energy Act.
In addition, GWH develops concepts for efficient heat supply and operational management in existing buildings. One example of this is the use of a biomethane-based local heating plant in the Henri-Dunant housing development in Frankfurt. Digital solutions such as the “Building Navigator” also enable demand-based control of heating systems and support the reduction of energy consumption with an EBZ-verified and certified savings potential of up to 18.8 percent.
For new construction, GWH focuses on energy-efficient buildings that meet the KfW 55 standard or higher. In addition, CO₂ emissions are tracked at the level of individual heating systems, hydraulic balancing is performed, and 25 publicly accessible charging stations are provided in GWH properties. To support these efforts, GWH actively raises awareness among its tenants about the importance of using energy responsibly in their daily lives.
Building Navigator
The challenges facing the real estate industry are becoming increasingly complex—ranging from inefficient processes and inadequate data exchange to outdated building systems.
With Systeno GmbH’s Building Navigator, GWH is relying on a digital platform to manage energy consumption and processes. The first module enables data-driven heating optimization by integrating with existing control systems.
This allows energy consumption to be reduced by an average of 18.8% (EBZ-certified and verified), which has a positive impact on a building’s carbon footprint.
GWH business locations and own operations
Within its own operations, GWH is also consistently pursuing the goal of reducing energy consumption and increasing the use of renewable energy. For example, modern heating systems—such as those powered by wood pellets—are used at its business locations, and energy-efficiency measures, such as window replacements, are being implemented. The IT data centers and the Frankfurt am Main location are powered entirely by green electricity, while energy-efficient LED lighting further contributes to reducing electricity consumption.
In addition, GWH relies on organizational and cultural measures to embed sustainable practices into everyday work. A company-wide travel policy promotes environmentally conscious travel, while mobility initiatives—such as subsidies for public transportation, e-bikes, or the Deutschlandticket—support lower-emission commutes. Flexible work models, such as remote work, also contribute to reducing emissions.
By implementing an energy management system in accordance with ISO 50001, GWH is also laying the groundwork for systematically tracking energy consumption and continuously optimizing it. Greening initiatives, such as planting climate-resilient tree species and creating green spaces and green roofs, help improve the microclimate in urban areas.
Certified Energy Management at GWH
As a subsidiary of Helaba, GWH 2025 successfully participated in the group-wide certification of the Energy Management System (EnMS). The certification by the independent certification body DNV confirms that we systematically align our processes with energy efficiency, resource conservation, and climate protection. Based on the certified Energy Management System, we pursue clear and measurable goals.
The following improvements are to be achieved by 2028:
- A 2% reduction in specific electricity consumption (kWh/m²) compared to 2023
- A 2% reduction in adjusted specific heat consumption (kWh/m²) compared to 2023
With our energy management system, we are establishing a solid foundation for continuously analyzing energy consumption, identifying opportunities for savings, and strengthening our long-term commitment to climate protection.
Optimize resource usage
GWH is committed to the responsible use of natural resources. As part of a resource-intensive industry, we are gradually aligning our operations at GWH with the principles of resource efficiency and the circular economy.
The construction and management of housing involve the use of significant amounts of resources such as concrete, steel, wood, and soil. With this in mind, we aim to make the use of resources increasingly efficient throughout the entire life cycle of our buildings.
Key areas of focus:
- Use of sustainable and resource-efficient materials
- Further development of purchasing standards
- Optimization of construction and management processes
- Expansion of the database on resource consumption
- Development of new approaches in the field of the circular economy
Construction and recycling materials
Since 2025, we have been increasingly exploring ways to reuse building materials, particularly in the context of maintenance projects. Our focus is on materials such as plastics from windows or other building components, for which take-back or recycling models could be developed in the future.
The goal is to identify potential at an early stage and make an active contribution to conserving resources.