ZVH asked Over Morgen to develop a portfolio strategy to increase the sustainability of its real estate and ensure that this approach is integrated in the organisation in a sustainable way.
Our solution
We have achieved the desired results with the following four steps.
- Creating understanding by means of a data-driven portfolio analysis
For the roughly 5000 homes in ZVH’s real estate portfolio, we have developed a so-called real estate atlas. This is an online, interactive, data-driven atlas based on geographical information. It shows the current state of the building complexes per neighbourhood. By means of different map layers, it is possible to visualise all information relevant to the energy transition, such as types of buildings, energy consumption or the proximity of heating networks in the surroundings. The map layers are then combined to analyse the state of the different neighbourhoods and point out the locations from where to start the process of making housing sustainable.
- Setting a course with a sustainability vision
Our vision of sustainability encompasses several principles that help us set a timeline and methodology for our sustainability efforts. In cooperation with ZVH, we have established different key principles in relation to several areas of interest: customers, real estate & maintenance, finance and organisation. We have made use of existing policy frameworks and defined how ZVH wants to approach their sustainability targets. With the data-driven portfolio analysis and the course we have set, it was possible to understand and focus on tasks such as insulating houses, financing and energy transition. In short: what is the necessary pace for our sustainability plans?
- Choosing the right strategy with a neighbourhood-oriented approach
Neighbourhoods are the best places to get a feeling of the work that needs to be done on building complexes. This area is small enough to give a tangible idea of the future developments per complex, but also large enough to allow us to make tactical choices and define areas of focus. With four main lines of work: maintenance, renovation, energy transition and sales, the way towards achieving CO2-neutrality in 2050 has been paved. In cooperation with ZVH, all building complexes have been analysed and choices have been made after consultation with our technical advisers, such as when and how to make building complexes sustainable.
- Implementing the real estate strategy
In the last phase of the assignment, Over Morgen and the ZVH project managers have taken a closer look at the most appropriate locations where the planned short-term measures can be implemented first. Afterwards, we have provided consultancy on how to match the vision and the roadmap to CO2-neutrality with the interests of the main cooperating partners, such as the municipality, other real estate corporations and residents’ associations.
Our results
The cooperation with ZVH has delivered important results, such as a sustainable portfolio strategy and a data-driven portfolio analysis, which are the building blocks for the transition to CO2-neutrality. Moreover, it has given the sustainability task a more central role within the organisation. This has been made possible by organising introductory information sessions with all employees of ZVH, to give them better insights in the task at hand and in our approach. In cooperation with some employees, we have further developed the tactical and operational aspects of the project.
