A foundation that takes on so-called perpetual obligations in the context of post-mining must keep its eyes trained on the future. For this reason, innovative and sustainable solutions to global challenges play a crucial role as part of the Foundation Group.
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Vivawest GmbH was created in 2012 through a merger of Evonik Immobilien and THS, of which the
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The Essen-based company is amongst the world’s leading providers of special chemicals. In 2021, it increased its revenue by 23 per cent to 15 billion euros. And at 2.38 billion euros, earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (adjusted EBITDA) was also 25 per cent above the prior-year figure.
A major driver of Evonik’s positive developments is its innovative strength. For example, in the 2021 financial year, the company provided a decisive component of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine: lipids. They surround and protect the mRNA vaccine and carry it safely into the cells, where it is then released and can have the desired effect. Lipids are an integral part of vaccination, which, in turn, is a crucial element of finding a way out of the pandemic.
Focus on future technologies
At its Hanau location, Evonik built up lipid production in a matter of a few weeks. © Evonik Industries AG
In a record time of eight weeks, Evonik built up lipid production at two locations in Germany – Hanau and Dossenheim (near Heidelberg) – and even delivered months ahead of schedule. Its lipid production is impressive proof that Evonik reacts quickly to current developments and produces with its finger on the pulse of the times.
Production of disinfectants – which is also an important part of fighting the pandemic – is yet another example from the reporting period. Evonik expanded production of disinfectants in 2020 in the short term at multiple locations, not least to reduce its dependence on external suppliers and to establish its own supply chains in Germany.
Evonik also reacts to urgent regional demand – by the end of 2021, the company had donated more than 10,000 litres of disinfectants in the areas surrounding its locations, for instance to Catholic parishes, kindergartens, retirement homes and social institutions.
Fighting the pandemic
How Evonik Health Care realised the lipid project with astonishing speed. © Evonik Industries AG
Additionally, Evonik launched a vaccination campaign early on with its company doctors which began with eight vaccination centres throughout Germany. The company thus also supported the objective of the German government of providing as many people as possible with vaccinations as rapidly as possible. Not only were the employees of Evonik given COVID-19 vaccinations, but also their family members as well as employees of other companies in the area.
Vaccination campaign
With its company doctors and eight vaccination centres, Evonik supported the fight against the pandemic. © Evonik Industries AG
Vivawest is amongst the leading residential companies in North Rhine-Westphalia. With its roots in building flats for miners, today Vivawest maintains nearly 120,000 flats in some 100 communes along the Rhine and Ruhr rivers. The company thus provides homes for approximately 300,000 people. Its stated objective is to couple economic and ecological efficiency with social responsibility. In doing so, Vivawest brings together traditional mining values like solidarity and a spirit of community with climate action and the objectives of its business operations.
Vivawest
Vivawest develops residential areas holistically – including supporting the neighbourhood and networking the areas. © Vivawest
In 2021, Vivawest adopted a climate action strategy under which the entire residential portfolio is to be climate-neutral by the year 2045. Achieving this is a great challenge, because flats have to be gradually renovated and upgraded in terms of energy efficiency, all while people continue to live in them. The improvements are thus being carried out step by step, in close coordination with the renters.
Measures include insulation of the facades, conversion of heating to heat pump technology and installation of photovoltaic units on roofs. This conversion requires major investments, not least because the costs for construction materials and tradecraft services have risen and will continue to rise. In this regard, Vivawest strives to find a balance between future- and climate-friendly measures, profitability and affordable rents.
Bergmannsgrün project
In Dortmund, a new model neighbourhood for sustainable living will be built by 2027 for the international horticultural exhibition in 2027. © Vivawest Wohnen GmbH
Moreover, the company also develops climate-friendly neighbourhoods along the Rhine and Ruhr rivers where new builds and energy renovation go hand in hand. The Bergmannsgrün (‘Miner’s Green’) development in Dortmund-Huckarde, where Vivawest is building new affordable housing with participation of the tenants, is one example of what such a model neighbourhood can look like. Additionally, several hundred flats are being modernised and upgraded in terms of energy efficiency. The portfolio of services is rounded out by offers catering to the residents’ daily needs: in future, for example, the neighbourhood will be home to not only modern residential buildings with lush greenery, but also package stations, e-bike, e-scooter and car rental services, co-working spaces, shops and a kindergarten. The neighbourhood provides valuable insights into how climate action and living can work together in the future, and thus is perfectly in accordance with the longterm goals of Vivawest.
RSBG is the holding company of the
Semiconductors have become a pivotal point of digitalisation. By now, semiconductors are used in nearly every electronic device – from washing machines to self-driving vehicles. And the demand is accordingly great. The German government and the European Union are subsidising this industry segment to overcome bottlenecks and to reduce dependence on countries outside of Europe. This is also a matter of importance to RSBG, which aims to contribute to anchoring this key product in digitalisation in Germany and, to this end, to connect its production regionally.
RSBG Advanced Manufacturing Technologies currently holds stakes in eight companies that make an important contribution to the value chain for semiconductor production. In addition to production, these companies also offer corresponding services and software. Further companies are expected to be added in future.
Moreover, RSBG Advanced Manufacturing Technologies cooperates with researchers in this field at universities such as Harvard and Stanford and with institutes such as Fraunhofer in order to drive progress and develop the technology further.
Via the strategic stakeholdings of the
Disruptive technology
A holding of RSBG SE produces machines to expose wafers with microand nanostructures as part of a unique process. © RSBG Advanced Manufacturing Technologies GmbH
Eye on the value chain
In addition to production, the companies in the RSBG holding also offer services and software solutions. © RSBG Advanced Manufacturing Technologies GmbH
