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Shaping a sustainable economy together.

With a clear strategic focus on sustainability and long-term investments, GWH actively shapes its internal processes and structures as well as the broader conditions of the industry. In this way, GWH helps to shape a sustainable future for the housing sector.

As a housing company with a capital-intensive business model and a diverse range of stakeholders, GWH is increasingly faced with ESG-related requirements. A successful transition toward greater sustainability can only be achieved through collaboration with other stakeholders—through cooperation, mutual dialogue, and a shared understanding of responsibility.

Reliable organization and management of sustainability are therefore an integral part of our business operations. Our goal is to combine economic success with sustainable development and to actively contribute to the transformation of the real estate industry.

In particular, the company’s management focuses on:

  • Profitability
  • Sustainable business models and corporate strategies
  • Cost management
  • Digital Products and Processes
  • Control and risk management
  • Continuous social management
     
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Three men, some in suits and others in casual clothes, are standing outside in front of a bookshelf, each holding a book

GWH is actively driving innovation and digitalization to streamline processes and develop solutions that reduce energy consumption and optimize operational workflows. To this end, appropriate organizational structures have been established and are being continuously refined.

One area of focus is the development and implementation of digital solutions—ranging from in-house software applications to piloting innovative concepts such as smart homes and smart buildings, and extending building automation in existing properties. Digital applications such as the GWH home tenant portal provide additional transparency and added value for users.

In addition, core processes are increasingly being digitized. For example, the BEGIS project enables more efficient control of approximately 1,500 heat generation systems, while digital applications for meter reading continuously improve the data set. Furthermore, GWH focuses on targeted partner scouting to develop innovative solutions—such as those for the energy and heating transition—in collaboration with external stakeholders.

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Through a cross-functional transformation project, GWH is systematically advancing its data-driven corporate management. The project aims to increase transparency, automate processes, and enable informed decision-making based on a unified data foundation.

The core of the project is the development of an integrated data and system architecture in which information from various sources is consolidated and structured. This creates a company-wide “single point of truth” that ensures consistent and reliable data usage.

These measures range from the further development of management and reporting processes and the improvement of data quality to the digitization of key business processes, such as in purchasing and invoicing or in operating cost accounting. Digital solutions are also making the management of new construction projects more transparent and forward-looking.

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To address current developments at an early stage and incorporate international perspectives, GWH has been part of a European housing industry network since 2025. Professional exchanges with companies and experts from various countries provide new insights into key future issues facing the industry.

The focus is on practical solutions, for example in the areas of digitalization, construction processes, age-appropriate housing, and social issues. The insights gained are specifically used to further develop our own concepts and put innovative approaches into practice.
 

Effective compliance and risk management form the foundation of responsible corporate governance. This is intended to ensure ethical and fair business practices throughout the entire value chain.

Sustainability risks and opportunities are systematically integrated into business development and, since the end of 2024, have also been specifically incorporated into the risk management system. Regular assessments and management are conducted in close coordination with the risk and business continuity management teams at Helaba, the parent company.

Clear responsibilities, binding standards, and ongoing training help ensure a high level of awareness and confidence in taking action within the company.

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