Press Release

Wienerberger about to implement its Biodiversity Program

25. October 2021

Group-wide Biodiversity Program as an important component of Wienerberger’s Sustainability Program 2023
Catalogue of measures developed in cooperation with external experts

Vienna – Within the framework of its Sustainability Program 2023, the Wienerberger Group is pursuing ambitious targets aimed at continuing on its value-creating growth course in the years to come. Based on its commitment to sustainable growth, Wienerberger has defined strict ESG criteria (environmental, social and governance) and is thus assuming responsibility towards people and the natural environment.

Catalogue of biodiversity measures for all sites

Wienerberger’s catalogue of biodiversity measures was elaborated in cooperation with external experts. It provides the basis for the implementation of individual biodiversity action plans at all Wienerberger production and office sites worldwide. The first sites, such as Wiener Neudorf, have already begun to implement their action plans. These action plans serve to optimize land use in both rural and urban areas, fight against the loss of biodiversity, and contribute to the rehabilitation of eco-systems.

The loss of biodiversity over the past 40 years has been unprecedented, and we are determined to counteract this development: Our product range for roofs and facades includes nesting boxes for birds and bats, and ceramic products can be fitted with insect hotels and nesting options for small mammals. With our Biodiversity Program, one of the mainstays of the Wienerberger Sustainability Program 2023, we actively contribute towards ensuring that future generations have the same opportunities as we have today. As a leading international provider of building material and infrastructure solutions, our aim is not only to produce top-quality products, but also to protect the environment to the best of our abilities.

Heimo Scheuch

CEO

It has always been Wienerberger’s goal to foster biodiversity and protect the environment. Best-practice examples include beehives for 80,000 bees on the roof of the Group’s headquarters in Vienna and the renaturing of depleted clay pits. With its new catalogue of measures, Wienerberger is taking the topic of biodiversity to a new level in order to tap the full potential of each individual site in accordance with scientifically well-founded principles. The measures recommended include the greening of facades for temperature control, forest strips for water storage and as a habitat for birds, bats and insects, or ponds for amphibians, reptiles and butterflies.

Wienerberger’s employees will be involved in the implementation of the action plans in order to heighten their awareness for the importance of biodiversity on our planet. At the same time, the implementation of the biodiversity plans is to contribute towards improving the health and well-being of the employees at the individual sites. Wienerberger’s commitment to biodiversity is also reflected in the appointment of a biodiversity ambassador, a newly created role, for each site.