The New Headquarters - Volksbank AG

[9] Mario Patera, School of Interdisciplinary Research and
Advanced Education at the University of Klagenfurt and
organiser of the ISBM, Gerhard Reiner, Chairman of the
Managing Board of Volksbank Graz-Bruck, Ulrike Gamm,
Konfliktkultur – Kulturkonflikt and organiser of the ISBM,
Gerald Wenzel, Chief Executive Officer of Österreichische
Volksbanken-AG (from left to right)
been committed to the use of innovative skills in
companies for several years.
On the basis of the successful “Credit Mediation” pilot
project of Volksbank Graz-Bruck, the expansion
of mediative expertise in the Volksbank Group via
several channels is part of the Corporate Responsibility
project: Österreichische Volksbanken-AG was
again a partner of the “International Summer School
on Business Mediation” (ISBM) on the topic of
“crossing borders” in 2010. In autumn 2010, Österreichische
Volksbanken-AG presented its study on
“conflict costs in family-owned companies”. “We believe
in the future of business mediation and the major
benefits for the economy”, said Chief Executive
Officer Gerald Wenzel, summing up the commitment
of Österreichische Volksbanken-AG.
The new Group headquarters
Sustainability aspects were also taken into account
from the outset when planning the new Group headquarters.
These efforts were also noted by the Austrian
Sustainable Building Council (ÖGNB) and
klima:aktiv, which rated the new customer centre as
above average. When assessing the planning status,
the ÖGNB awarded 880 quality points out of a possible
1,000. The score from klima:aktiv for service
buildings was 815 quality points out of a possible
1,000. The new headquarters of ÖVAG are therefore
“an above-average property that takes into account
numerous aspects of sustainable construction
at a high level.”
With regard to location and equipment, the highest
possible score was attained. The key features of the
“new address” are its outstanding location, excellent
public transport links and, in particular, the fact that
around 50% of the building material results from the
further development of an existing building.
The ambitious energy supply concept – Viennese
district heating with a high proportion of waste heat
and renewable energy with particular consideration
given to a photovoltaic system – were positively
highlighted, as well as the almost universal provision
for accessibility as a planning principle.
Sustainability criteria were considered when selecting
the interior fittings and in the company restaurant.
Fairtrade coffee and other Fairtrade products
were put on the menu in the company restaurant. A
non-denominational “tolerance/meditation” room is
part of the diversity concept.
Establishing well-founded sustainability
management
A clear commitment to sustainable action provides
the opportunity to combine the experience and innovation,
make employees more aware of sustainability
and provide customers, suppliers and stakeholders
with added value through transparency, the
protection of ethical principles and innovative products.
Implementation of the sustainability programme
will open up new market opportunities and
help to intensify lived-out customer partnership. t
CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY
CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY
Further information on the subject
of corporate responsibility and
sustainability can be found at
>> Corporate Responsibility