Social responsibility of a real estate company: Aroundtown supports Lebenshilfe Berlin through its Social Day initiative

As one of Europe’s leading real estate companies, Aroundtown takes a holistic approach to managing its property locations. This also includes assuming social and societal responsibility at each site within its portfolio. In this context, Aroundtown organizes what is known as a “Social Day” several times a year—an initiative that has been an integral part of the company culture for the past six years. On this day, employees are given the opportunity to take one day off per year to engage in social activities—either on their own initiative, such as through personal involvement in a club or association, or through initiatives offered by the company.

“Aroundtown firmly believes that its business activities extend far beyond its direct relationships with tenants and employees, reaching into the communities surrounding its properties, which may be directly or indirectly affected. Aroundtown is committed to fostering a positive and meaningful impact in the neighborhoods it touches.” (Limor Bermann, Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO), Group ESG)

As a result, the company pursues a holistic approach to ensure positive social impact in society. Aroundtown fosters social cohesion and provides practical support, for example through Lebenshilfe gGmbH or the food bank (Tafel) in Berlin. The ESG team plans and coordinates appointments and arrangements with the organizations for colleagues who are eager to get involved.

Lebenshilfe Berlin supports people with intellectual and/or physical disabilities in their daily lives. This includes outings that require intensive supervision. On Thursday, July 10th, five colleagues from Aroundtown accompanied clients of Lebenshilfe’s day center on an excursion to the Berlin Zoo, together with the center’s caregivers.

“Without the active support of Aroundtown as part of Social Day, such staff-intensive outings with the entire group to the Berlin Zoo would not be possible. The Mitte Day Center of Lebenshilfe thanks the participants for their outstanding support.” (Maud Zander, Site Coordinator, Day Center Mitte BFB (Employment and Support Area), Lebenshilfe gGmbH)

For many employees of the real estate company, this was their first interaction with people with physical and intellectual disabilities. Therefore, a professional briefing and introduction to the clients took place beforehand, and the clients themselves were excited to meet the visitors. Afterwards, the group traveled by minibus or public transport (BVG) to the Berlin Zoo, where everyone had a wonderful time. Accessible areas, such as the glass penguin tank, were especially joyful. A feedback session followed, where company employees and Lebenshilfe staff reflected on the day and shared their impressions.

“A day that will leave a lasting impression – fostering greater awareness, community spirit, and social responsibility.” (Summary from the participating Aroundtown employees)

About Aroundtown

Aroundtown is one of Europe's largest real estate companies, M-Dax listed and focused on income generating quality properties that have potential for value-add in central locations mainly in Germany and the Netherlands. The portfolio comprises mainly office, residential and hotel properties. Hundreds of experienced employees from all areas of the value chain ensure that Aroundtown effectively realizes long-term potential. Professional organization, flexibility, innovation and extensive tenant services make Aroundtown a reliable partner for growth and success. Aroundtown is a sustainability leader in the European market with strong visibility in ESG indices such as Dow Jones Sustainability Index, Bloomberg Gender Equality Index and more. Aroundtown is a member of the European Public Real Estate Association (EPRA), the German Property Federation (ZIA), the German Sustainable Building Council (DGNB), the UN Global Compact Network Germany as well as a signatory of the United Nations Charter of Diversity. Aroundtown has received multiple EPRA BPR Gold Awards and EPRA sBPR Gold Awards for its transparent financial and sustainability reporting. Avisco (controlled by Yakir Gabay) holds 15% in Aroundtown (date: 29.07.2022) and Stumpf Capital GmbH 10% (date: 13.11.2023). Other shareholders include Blackrock, Norges, Vanguard, Allianz, BNP Paribas, Japan’s Government investment fund, Alliance-Bernstein, Dekabank, State-Street, Bank of Montreal and many other leading international investors. The main bond investors include ECB, GIC, Union Investment, DB, UBS, CS, M&G, Pictet, Credit Agricole and many other major institutional investors.