Environment
Real estate - more energy with a new green element
Real Estate
In the case of real estate that we manage as asset managers, we have already switched to a sustainable energy supply (electricity and heat) as far as possible. A possible energy and ecological optimisation can take place, for example, in upcoming roof renovations, through the formation of an extensive green roof.
With regard to the electricity requirements of the properties we manage, we have switched to green electricity for a total of 1.1 million kWh by the end of 2024. At 363 g CO2/kWh (German electricity mix – as of 2024), this corresponds to an annual saving of 399 t CO2.
For natural gas, we have offset CO2 emissions for a total consumption of 2,637,103 kWh by the end of 2024. At 251 g CO2/kWh (GEMIS factor), this corresponds to an annual compensation of 622 tons of CO2.
In the case of our leasing portfolios, we make our know-how available in a targeted manner, so that the user (lessee) can make a sound decision about which building optimisations are made.
Identifying potential
New objects that we acquire for our investment funds undergo an examination process. In addition to the usual technical due diligence, an extended purchase examination is carried out under ESG criteria. This examination includes energy efficiency, water consumption, CO2 emissions, building materials, building equipment, operating costs, tenant comfort and connectivity. Moreover, acquisition objects are assessed by the LHI ESG Scoring Model.
By addressing ESG standards at an early stage, we:
- Identified essential drivers and factors of influence for the ESG strategy
- Established a presence in the market through talks with multipliers and investors
- Evaluated catalogues of requirements for sustainable investments
- Selected qualified service partners for operative accompaniment and implementation
- Achieved transparency through operating cost analysis of portfolio objects
- Already incepted one impact (Article 9) fund and two ESG strategy (Article 8) funds as special AIFs in the real estate sector and more are being planned
- Converted 27 objects to sustainable energy supply
- Completed the operative groundwork, for example drafting of a standard lease agreement with green lease elements pursuant to ZIA recommendations
- Implemented first energy optimisation measures
- Started the smart meter roll-out for the digitalisation of our portfolio holdings
- Implemented tenant surveys
- Subjected a large part of the portfolio to a CO2 analysis
- Implemented ESG management software
The best way
Renewables
The long-term and, above all, sustainable security of our energy supply is a key issue, especially for all industrialized societies.
In the renewable energies asset class, LHI has so far focused on solar and wind. Since 2020, the portfolio has also included hydropower plants. These are characterized by long life cycles. It is important to us that interventions in nature, such as the damming of water or changes to a riverbed, are carried out carefully.
For renewable energies, sustainability also means not only making use of resources, but also ensuring that the land is used responsibly. The dismantling of the parks, the restoration of the leased areas and the proper disposal of the components at the end of their service life are a matter of course for us. In 2024, the wind and solar parks managed by LHI produced electricity for over 340,000 4-person households. Based on the electricity mix (source: Federal Environment Agency) from the respective launch years of the (portfolio) funds, a total of over 697,000 tons of CO2 were saved in 2024. If the electricity mix for 2024 is used for all plants (source: Federal Environment Agency, provisional status 2024), over
456,000 tons of CO2 were saved.
Responsible all along the line
The transport sector also plays a key role in sustainable business. LHI is focusing on providing the necessary infrastructure and acquired six fast-charging parks with ten charging points each for an individual mandate at 2022.
The next step will be energy storage. We are keeping a close eye on developments and are examining investments in storage systems either as part of a solar or wind farm or as a separate unit to stabilize the energy supply.
Two impact (Article 9) funds and an ESG strategy (Article 8) fund have already been launched as special AIFs in the Renewables segment, and more are planned.
Useful and helpful
Structured Finance
One of the things we can do with our structured financing, is help companies transform into a low-carbon economy. We focus on the asset classes of real estate and rolling stock.
Achieving more with new technology
Over the past 6 years, the LHI Group has acquired around 200 electric rolling stock vehicles from various manufacturers. The trains are currently or will be used on various route networks in Germany by well-known operators. The investment volume for the electric vehicles amounts to approximately EUR 3.6 billion. The LHI Group is thus making an active contribution to resource-saving and environmentally friendly local public transport.
Using raw materials and conserving resources
The ability to finance real estate is increasingly dependent on energy and ecological criteria. Together with selected partners, we support our customers in the long-term financing of their properties. We are happy to support the integration of subsidies to achieve energy standards.
Clever technology for the environment
Working environment
The LHI headquarters in Pullach has been awarded the German Sustainable Building Council (DGNB) platinum certificate. In terms of ecological quality, the building achieves a score of 96.5%. The following measures have been implemented:
- We only use certified green electricity
- The LHI Campus is connected to the public geothermal district heating network of the Pullach municipality. A building core activation system is used for basic temperature control.
- For the offices, the air is pre-treated via geothermal heat exchangers (EWT). The supply air systems are decentralised to the building components, the exhaust air systems are located centrally in the roof space together with the heat recovery system.
- The ventilation via EWT can be used energy-efficiently for heating in winter and cooling in summer. In this process, the outside air is brought to a temperature of 10° C difference to the outside air in each of the EWT tubes running under the building - depending on the season, this pre-tempered air is thus warmer or cooler than outside. In summer, the pre-tempered air is either used directly for cooling or mixed with the warm outdoor air. In winter, on the other hand, it can be heated in an energy-saving way instead of cold outside air. In this way, a temperature of approx. 21° to 26° C is achieved in the building at all times of the year.
- Energy-saving LEDs are predominantly used as light sources.
- All flat roofs are designed as green roofs.
- In 2023, a PV system was put into operation on the roofs of the Pullach Campus.
Lived sustainability
No environmentally harmful pesticides or the like are used in the maintenance of our outdoor facilities. Our food suppliers are certified according to IFS, TÜV SÜD, SGS Organic Austria or the German Accreditation Body DAkkS and are members of the Association for Organic Farming and Healthy Nutrition (registered association).
Charging facilities for electric vehicles have been available at our company headquarters in Pullach since 2016. Further wallboxes were installed in 2022. Employees and guests can currently charge their electric vehicles at 25 wallboxes during their time of presence at cost price. For this purpose, we use electricity from our own rooftop PV system or purchased green electricity from 100% hydropower.