Responsibility

VVO Group plc’s operations are based on the provision of a diverse range of safe, high-quality rental housing. VVO Group seeks to participate in the debate on Finnish housing policy to improve the standing of rental housing.

During the review period, the Group published its theses for the improvement of housing policy. The theses address the possibilities to increase the production of rental apartments, the factors affecting the costs of construction and housing, as well as support for housing and construction.

The anti-grey economy models used by the company exceed legislative requirements in many respects. We continuously monitor the fulfilment of contractor obligations for all of the companies in our supplier network through the Reliable Partner service at the tilaajavastuu.fi website.

VVO Group will continue its climate partnership agreement with the City of Helsinki. The Group has also committed to following the Rental Property Action Plan (VAETS), which has set a 2016 heating energy savings target of seven per cent compared with 2009. The Rental Property Action Plan (VAETS) savings targets for 2016 have already been achieved and, with regard to property electricity consumption, have even been exceeded.

VVO Group plc was approved as a member of Climate Leadership Council (CLC). CLC is a com-munity of leading Finnish companies and organisations. Its objective is to improve the ability of Finnish businesses and research organisations to respond to the threats posed by climate change and to utilise related business opportunities.

Under VVO Group’s Virkeä programme, sponsorships were awarded to 50 promising athletes in 2015. A total of 300 grants have been awarded since 2012. The sponsorship grant may be awarded to a young athlete of 12–20 years of age who has shown commitment and desire to succeed in his/her sport. In 2015, the Virkeä athletes are Lassi Etelätalo (athletics), Henry Manni (wheelchair racing), Nooralotta Neziri (athletics), Venla Paunonen (athletics), Tommi Pulli (speed skating), Mimosa Jallow (swimming) and Jenni Saarinen (figure skating). The first Virkeä team sponsorship programme was opened for applications towards the end of the review period.