<![CDATA[News and press releases - VELUX Media Centre | VELUX Group]]> https://press.velux.com/ Bringing light to life en Mon, 07 Sep 2026 23:46:55 +0200 Mon, 31 Mar 2025 10:04:26 +0200 <![CDATA[News and press releases - VELUX Media Centre | VELUX Group]]> https://content.presspage.com/clients/150_1207.jpg https://press.velux.com/ 144 VELUX Group continues to reduce emissions and takes important steps on circularity and biodiversity across the business https://press.velux.com/velux-group-continues-to-reduce-emissions-and-takes-important-steps-on-circularity-and-biodiversity-across-the-business/ https://press.velux.com/velux-group-continues-to-reduce-emissions-and-takes-important-steps-on-circularity-and-biodiversity-across-the-business/691909About the VELUX Group
VELUX roof windows have been bringing daylight and fresh air into peoples’ homes around the world for more than 80 years, creating better living environments. We offer a range of products including roof windows and modular skylights, decorative blinds, sun screening products, and roller shutters, as well as installation and smart home solutions. They help create bright, healthy, and energy-efficient places for people who live, work, learn, and play under the roof. We work globally – with sales and manufacturing operations in 37 countries and around 12,000 employees worldwide. The VELUX Group is owned by VKR Holding A/S, a limited company owned by the Villum Foundation and members of the Kann Rasmussen family. In 2024, the VELUX Group had a total revenue of EUR 2.96 billion while VKR Holding had a total revenue of EUR 3.87 billion. The same year, the Villum Foundation and the VELUX FOUNDATION donated a total of EUR 169 million in charitable grants.

For more information about the VELUX Group, visit velux.com.

]]>In 2024, the VELUX Group reduced emissions from its own operations by 11% – a 60% decrease from the baseline year in 2020, bringing the company one step closer to its operational emissions target by 2030. VELUX also accelerated its biodiversity and circularity efforts and launched new initiatives within both areas. This progress was documented in the company’s Sustainability Report 2024, launched today.

The VELUX Group has seen a steady reduction in its emissions from own operations (scope 1 and 2) from 52kt CO2e in 2020 to 21kt CO2e in 2024. This is a total reduction of 60% - whereof 11% is achieved in 2024 primarily due to an ongoing switch to renewable energy sources and improvements in energy efficiency at VELUX productions sites.

The VELUX Group also continued its efforts on reducing scope 3 emissions in its value chain in 2024. Scope 3 emissions decreased slightly to 1,153kt CO2e - a 0,53% decrease compared to 2023. This is primarily due to efforts to procure and incorporate lower carbon materials in VELUX products. VELUX furthermore entered a long-term agreement with ArcelorMittal to ensure a ten-year guaranteed supply of lower-carbon-emission-steel.

A strengthened focus on circularity and biodiversity
In line with the VELUX Group’s ambition to integrate circularity across its value chain, the company initiated four circularity projects across different markets in 2024 to test circular business opportunities in customer offerings. The aim is to gather insights into areas such as take back schemes, refurbishment and maintenance service to be able scale the principles.

In 2024, the VELUX Group accelerated its efforts to protect and enhance biodiversity - an essential foundation for resilient ecosystems and long-term business success. A new methodology was developed to assess biodiversity at VELUX sites, along with a catalogue of concrete actions to improve local ecosystems. The first assessments at six sites in Denmark, Poland, Italy, and Hungary established a baseline to guide future improvements.

Additional sustainability highlights from 2024:

  • 3-percentage point increase in both women in management (to 31%) and women in senior management (to 35%) and compared to 2023
  • For the second consecutive year, VELUX received a gold rating from the global sustainability ratings organization EcoVadis.
  • VELUX signed up to the EV100 and increased its share of electric cars as part of its total car fleet by 8,74% in 2024
  • VELUX set a new target on Energy intensity of a 56% reduction from baseline year 2015 to 2030 by increasing energy efficiency and energy management
  • VELUX joined the coalition behind the Children’s Living Places project, led by SOS Children’s Villages Denmark. A project aiming to reform the childcare sector in Ukraine and help rebuild homes to foster families with a low CO2 footprint and a healthier indoor climate based on the Living Places principles.

See more sustainability highlights from 2024: VELUX Sustainability 

Read the full 2024 Sustainability Report.

]]> 2 emissions reductions as this is an important task for all companies. As a leader within the roof window category, we have an ambition to drive the circularity agenda together with our partners to further decarbonise the building industry. In 2024, we took important steps to strengthen the circularity of our business, and we are already getting good indications from these projects. Next step will be to focus on how to implement circularity across our business – from the product design all the way to end of use – and most importantly, to do this together with our customers. I’m also pleased that we have increased the number of women in management globally to 31% - an important step towards making VELUX an even more diverse and inclusive company.]]> Mon, 31 Mar 2025 10:00:00 +0200 https://content.presspage.com/uploads/1207/34c22d76-1e23-47d3-82e5-6de99e3e1c73/500_veluxsustainabilityreport2024-cover-24032025.jpg.jpg?10000 https://content.presspage.com/uploads/1207/34c22d76-1e23-47d3-82e5-6de99e3e1c73/veluxsustainabilityreport2024-cover-24032025.jpg.jpg?10000 VELUX accelerates biodiversity and nature protection efforts with new ambitious plan https://press.velux.com/velux-accelerates-biodiversity-and-nature-protection-efforts-with-new-ambitious-plan/ https://press.velux.com/velux-accelerates-biodiversity-and-nature-protection-efforts-with-new-ambitious-plan/691897About the VELUX Group
VELUX roof windows have been bringing daylight and fresh air into peoples’ homes around the world for more than 80 years, creating better living environments. We offer a range of products including roof windows and modular skylights, decorative blinds, sun screening products, and roller shutters, as well as installation and smart home solutions. They help create bright, healthy, and energy-efficient places for people who live, work, learn, and play under the roof. We work globally – with sales and manufacturing operations in 37 countries and around 12,000 employees worldwide. The VELUX Group is owned by VKR Holding A/S, a limited company owned by the Villum Foundation and members of the Kann Rasmussen family. In 2024, the VELUX Group had a total revenue of EUR 2.96 billion while VKR Holding had a total revenue of EUR 3.87 billion. The same year, the Villum Foundation and the VELUX FOUNDATION donated a total of EUR 169 million in charitable grants.

For more information about the VELUX Group, visit velux.com.

]]>The VELUX Group has completed biodiversity assessments at six key sites across Denmark, Italy, Hungary, and Poland, kicking off a new company-wide initiative to protect and restore nature. Using a tailored methodology developed with experts, assessments can establish a baseline for biodiversity across all VELUX locations with outdoor green areas, helping to guide future action. This work is part of broader ambitions to reduce our impact on biodiversity and integrate nature solutions across the entire VELUX value chain.

As a first step towards promoting biodiversity across all company sites, the VELUX Group has assessed six different locations. The work is part of a larger program designed to address biodiversity conservation and impact reduction throughout the entire VELUX value chain.

VELUX has worked with Fælleshaven, Deloitte and BioCircular to establish a comprehensive methodology for assessing the state of biodiversity across approximately 40 company sites. Building on tools from organisations such as Society for Ecological Restoration and Science Based Targets Network, the new methodology is tailor-made for VELUX, a global company present in 37 countries and across several climate zones.

A value chain approach for promoting biodiversity
The first steps were initiated in 2023 with Fælleshaven as a strategic partner of the project.

During 2025, the VELUX Group will carry out additional site assessments and start the implementation of actions at the first six sites. By 2030, all VELUX sites aim to have initiated or implemented actions that set them on the path to achieving their full biodiversity potential.

The long-term ambition is to address biodiversity conservation and impact reduction throughout the entire VELUX value chain. In 2024, a materiality assessment was conducted. The next step is to carry out an assessment of the entire value chain, looking at impacts, dependencies, risks and opportunities. This will help identify potential opportunities for suppliers to mitigate negative effects on biodiversity.

Companies see loss of biodiversity as a threat but lack tangible targets
According to a World Economic Forum report, half of the world’s total GDP is dependent on access to natural resources. This clearly underlines the importance of acting within biodiversity and nature protection.

On top of accelerating work on biodiversity, VELUX also finances forest restoration and conservation projects in Uganda, Madagascar and Vietnam in collaboration with WWF Denmark. The projects are designed to reduce and remove CO2 equivalent to the historic emissions of the company’s own operations (scope 1 and 2), while strengthening the biodiversity of the project areas.

Details: How VELUX works with biodiversity site assessments

  • For VELUX sites larger than 100,000m2, or in proximity to a protected area, the biodiversity site assessment is conducted by an external biodiversity expert on site, and in collaboration with a local team. For VELUX sites smaller than 100,000 m2, local real estate and facility services conduct the assessment with support from an external biodiversity expert.
  • All data collected across VELUX sites will be entered into the Global Biodiversity Information Facility. This international network and data infrastructure platform provides open access to biodiversity data, supporting research and policy decisions worldwide.
  • All sites will get a baseline state defining the current and potential future scores – a so-called BioWheel – which is based on the Society for Ecological Restoration’s standard for ecosystem restoration and is adapted to the types of nature surrounding VELUX facilities.
  • To support sites with their biodiversity projects, VELUX has created a biodiversity playbook, an initiative catalogue, as well as a maintenance guide for site managers.
]]> says Wouter de Groot, Head of Sustainability at the VELUX Group, adding:The first step in accelerating our biodiversity efforts is to improve our own operations as we aim to roll out initiatives across all relevant locations during the next couple of years. We are excited to apply this new methodology which makes a broad biodiversity challenge both concrete and actionable for a business like ours. Our approach builds on three key principles; avoiding impact on biodiversity wherever possible, reducing impact when it can’t be fully avoided and working to protect and restore ecosystems.]]> Lisbeth Juhl Christensen referring to a report published by WWF and Bain & Company.]]> Thu, 27 Mar 2025 08:00:00 +0100 https://content.presspage.com/uploads/1207/8f433f87-32f5-479a-b673-363783bb87b1/500_16-9-velux-webimgedit3-1.jpg?10000 https://content.presspage.com/uploads/1207/8f433f87-32f5-479a-b673-363783bb87b1/16-9-velux-webimgedit3-1.jpg?10000 VELUX Group presents more sustainable homes with record low carbon footprint and best in class indoor climate https://press.velux.com/velux-group-presents-more-sustainable-homes-with-record-low-carbon-footprint-and-best-in-class-indoor-climate/ https://press.velux.com/velux-group-presents-more-sustainable-homes-with-record-low-carbon-footprint-and-best-in-class-indoor-climate/569498About the VELUX Group

For more than 80 years, the VELUX Group has created better living environments for people around the world; making the most of daylight and fresh air through the roof. Our product programme includes roof windows and modular skylights, decorative blinds, sun screening products and roller shutters, as well as installation and smart home solutions. These products help to ensure a healthy and sustainable indoor climate, for work and learning, for play and pleasure. We work globally – with sales and manufacturing operations in more than 36 countries and around 11,000 employees worldwide. The VELUX Group is owned by VKR Holding A/S, a limited company wholly owned by non-profit, charitable foundations (THE VELUX FOUNDATIONS) and family. In 2022, the VELUX Group had total revenue of EUR 2.99 billion, VKR Holding had total revenue of EUR 4.29 billion, and THE VELUX FOUNDATIONS donated EUR 181 million in charitable grants.

For more information about VELUX Group, visit velux.com.

]]>The VELUX Group and partners open the doors to Living Places Copenhagen – seven prototypes that show how we can develop sustainable buildings with a three times lower CO2 footprint and a first-class indoor climate. Living Places concept holds the lowest CO2 emissions in Denmark, demonstrating that we do not have to wait for future technology to build more sustainably.

The building industry accounts for 34% of the global energy consumption and 37% of the global CO2 emissions[1], and in the latest report from the UN's climate panel, it is clear that low carbon solutions must be scaled and implemented – also in the building industry. One of those solutions can be experienced in Copenhagen from today. With the groundbreaking project Living Places Copenhagen, the VELUX Group and its partners, demonstrate how to build homes with a CO2 footprint of 3.8 kg/CO2/m2/year – three times lower than the current Danish legislation of 12 kg CO2/m2/year – and to a price that matches the market price for a one-family house or rowhouses at scale. Furthermore, Living Places Copenhagen is designed with a strong focus on creating a healthy indoor climate using daylight and fresh air and it delivers best in class indoor climate.

Living Places Copenhagen is the first prototype showcasing the overall concept - Living Places – which was initiated by the VELUX Group, EFFEKT and Artelia. The vision is to lead the way within the building industry and show how rethinking buildings can help solve some of the global climate and health challenges. The concept is based on five key principles: homes should be healthy, adaptive, simple, shared over time and scalable. These principles can be applied to new or existing buildings and communities. 

The materials, solutions and knowledge are already here 
As a part of The Living Places Copenhagen project, the VELUX Group, EFFEKT, Artelia and Enemærke & Petersen, have carried out a complete Life Cycle Assessment. This means that each material, design and building technique has been carefully considered and mapped in terms of the emissions they project compared to a typical Danish household. Based on this, the partnership have built prototypes, showing that we do not have to wait for future technology to build homes that benefit both people and the planet.

Living Places Copenhagen showcases a total of seven prototypes – five open pavilions and two completed full-scale homes which open to the public on Earth Day on the 22nd April. As an official partner to the UIA World Congress of Architects in Copenhagen, Living Places Copenhagen will host a programme of debates and activities designed to drive and accelerate change in the building industry.

Read more about Living Places Copenhagen and how to book a tour here: https://buildforlife.velux.com/en/livingplaces/visit-living-places-copenhagen 

[1] UN Global Building Alliance Status Report 2022

]]> 2 emissions, we wish to take responsibility for finding ways to build more sustainably. With this project, we show how it can be done already today. I’m very proud of the results we have created with Living Places Copenhagen together with our partners. This project is a good example of how building more sustainable, healthy homes can both address climate challenges within our industry and improve peoples’ health. After all, we spend 90% of our time indoors, so a healthy indoor climate in our home is crucial,]]> Fri, 14 Apr 2023 08:00:00 +0200 https://content.presspage.com/uploads/1207/ba05f18e-af6e-43c4-8abd-e9dc7ce3048d/500_living-places-photo-adam-mork-291-xh.jpg?10000 https://content.presspage.com/uploads/1207/ba05f18e-af6e-43c4-8abd-e9dc7ce3048d/living-places-photo-adam-mork-291-xh.jpg?10000 VELUX Group continues progress to decarbonise operations and key materials https://press.velux.com/velux-group-continues-progress-to-decarbonise-operations-and-key-materials/ https://press.velux.com/velux-group-continues-progress-to-decarbonise-operations-and-key-materials/569150In 2022, VELUX reduced its emissions from operations by 26% and also saw a slight decrease in value chain emissions. These are two highlights from the company’s Sustainability Report 2022, launched today.For more than 80 years, the VELUX Group has created better living environments for people around the world; making the most of daylight and fresh air through the roof. Our product programme includes roof windows and modular skylights, decorative blinds, sun screening products and roller shutters, as well as installation and smart home solutions. These products help to ensure a healthy and sustainable indoor climate, for work and learning, for play and pleasure. We work globally – with sales and manufacturing operations in more than 36 countries and around 11,000 employees worldwide. The VELUX Group is owned by VKR Holding A/S, a limited company wholly owned by non-profit, charitable foundations (THE VELUX FOUNDATIONS) and family. In 2022, the VELUX Group had total revenue of EUR 2.99 billion, VKR Holding had total revenue of EUR 4.29 billion, and THE VELUX FOUNDATIONS donated EUR 181 million in charitable grants.

For more information about VELUX Group, visit velux.com.

]]>Emissions from operations (scope 1 and 2) decreased to 27,371 tCO2e in 2022 from 37,105 tCO2e in 2021. This decline was driven by an increase in the purchase of renewable electricity (in 2022 representing 98% of electricity consumption), energy efficiency programmes and the transition to renewable fuel sources.

VELUX also saw a slight decrease in value chain emissions (scope 3 ) to 1.99 m tCO2e  in 2022 from 2.06 million tCO2e in 2021 due to reduced raw material demand caused by a sluggish macroeconomic environment, more precise emissions data and the sourcing of low carbon aluminium.

Other highlights from 2022:

  • Investment in two new solar parks in Spain finalised. When operational in 2025, these new parks will produce 167GWh of renewable energy annually.
  • Two partnerships entered with suppliers Hydro and Novelis to reduce carbon emissions from aluminium used in VELUX products. 
  • 98% of packaging for VELUX Residential roof windows in Europe is now paper-based. This has saved more than 600 tonnes of EPS/plastic compared to 2021.
  • Accidents per 1 million working hours fell to 1.63 from 2.58 in 2021.
  • The percentage of women in senior management increased to 30% (2021: 28%), however the percentage of women in management overall remains flat at 26%, underlining that additional actions are needed.
  • 100,000 seedlings were planted in the first forest project established through a 20-year partnership with the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) to capture VELUX Group historical emissions from operations.

See more Sustainability highlights from 2022 

Read the full 2022 Sustainability Report 

]]> Tue, 11 Apr 2023 13:00:00 +0200 https://content.presspage.com/uploads/1207/173e01dc-33ff-4f29-bcb4-47d7895e1464/500_sustainabilityreport2022.jpg?10000 https://content.presspage.com/uploads/1207/173e01dc-33ff-4f29-bcb4-47d7895e1464/sustainabilityreport2022.jpg?10000 VELUX Group takes next step to decarbonise aluminium in roof windows together with Novelis https://press.velux.com/velux-group-and-novelis-to-decarbonise-aluminium-in-roof-windows/ https://press.velux.com/velux-group-and-novelis-to-decarbonise-aluminium-in-roof-windows/546967In a new partnership agreement with Novelis, the VELUX Group continues to work towards the goal of decreasing value chain emissions.About the VELUX Group

For more than 80 years, the VELUX Group has created better living environments for people around the world; making the most of daylight and fresh air through the roof. Our product programme includes roof windows and modular skylights, decorative blinds, sun screening products and roller shutters, as well as installation and smart home solutions. These products help to ensure a healthy and sustainable indoor climate, for work and learning, for play and pleasure. We work globally – with sales and manufacturing operations in more than 36 countries and around 11,000 employees worldwide. The VELUX Group is owned by VKR Holding A/S, a limited company wholly owned by non-profit, charitable foundations (THE VELUX FOUNDATIONS) and family. In 2022, the VELUX Group had total revenue of EUR 2.99 billion, VKR Holding had total revenue of EUR 4.29 billion, and THE VELUX FOUNDATIONS donated EUR 181 million in charitable grants.

For more information about VELUX Group, visit velux.com.

]]>The VELUX Group has entered into a partnership agreement with Novelis, the world’s largest aluminium recycler, for Novelis to provide high-recycled-content, flat-rolled aluminium for use in VELUX roof windows. 

]]>The VELUX Group has entered into a partnership agreement with Novelis, the world’s largest aluminium recycler, for Novelis to provide high-recycled-content, flat-rolled aluminium for use in VELUX roof windows. This partnership will contribute to the VELUX goal to halve emissions from the value chain by 2030.

The multi-year partnership agreement between Novelis and VELUX aims to reach below 4.0 kg carbon emitted per kilogram of supplied rolled aluminium by the end of 2024, which is well below half the average carbon footprint of primary aluminium used in Europe. The partners are aiming for further carbon reductions by 2030.

The aluminium will have a recycled content of around 70%, which represents an increase of around 30% from what Novelis currently supplies to VELUX. Recycling aluminium requires only 5% of the energy and results in up to 95% fewer carbon emissions than manufacturing primary aluminium.

 

“The Novelis agreement marks our second strategic aluminium partnership this year as we accelerate actions to decarbonise our products and value chain,”  says Nikolaj Cederquist, Vice President, Global Procurement, VELUX Group. “Our scope 3 carbon emissions are our largest and they are also the hardest for us to reduce, which is why partnerships will help us go far and faster.”

 

With more than 94% of the VELUX Group’s carbon footprint stemming from materials used in its products, value chain collaboration is critical for halving its scope 3 and product emissions by 2030. These targets are in addition to the Group’s 100% reduction target for scope 1 and 2 emissions, also by 2030.

 

“We are excited that we can help VELUX achieve its ambitious carbon emission reduction goals by supplying low-carbon, sustainable aluminium solutions,” says Stephen Boney, Vice President, Specialty Products, Novelis Europe. “As a leader in aluminium sustainability, Novelis recognises that material innovation and collaboration across the value chain will enable decarbonisation, support a circular economy and help us achieve our carbon neutrality goal.” 

 

VELUX Group and Novelis have agreed to work further together to optimise carbon emission reductions in aluminium and to develop more sustainable coating systems with the aim to help cultivate a more circular materials industry. The latter is a common goal that both companies are also advancing in other long-term partnerships.

]]> Fri, 11 Nov 2022 09:00:00 +0100 https://content.presspage.com/uploads/1207/500_stephenboneynovelisandnikolajcederquistveluxhandshake-2.jpg?10000 https://content.presspage.com/uploads/1207/stephenboneynovelisandnikolajcederquistveluxhandshake-2.jpg?10000 VELUX Group partners with Hydro to cut carbon emissions in its products https://press.velux.com/velux-group-partners-with-hydro-to-cut-carbon-emissions-in-its-products/ https://press.velux.com/velux-group-partners-with-hydro-to-cut-carbon-emissions-in-its-products/534867VELUX Group and Hydro have agreed to a joint target to reduce CO2 emitted per kilo of aluminium, contributing to the VELUX Group goal to halve value chain emissions by 2030.About the VELUX Group

For more than 80 years, the VELUX Group has created better living environments for people around the world; making the most of daylight and fresh air through the roof. Our product programme includes roof windows and modular skylights, decorative blinds, sun screening products and roller shutters, as well as installation and smart home solutions. These products help to ensure a healthy and sustainable indoor climate, for work and learning, for play and pleasure. We work globally – with sales and manufacturing operations in more than 36 countries and around 11,000 employees worldwide. The VELUX Group is owned by VKR Holding A/S, a limited company wholly owned by non-profit, charitable foundations (THE VELUX FOUNDATIONS) and family. In 2022, the VELUX Group had total revenue of EUR 2.99 billion, VKR Holding had total revenue of EUR 4.29 billion, and THE VELUX FOUNDATIONS donated EUR 181 million in charitable grants.

For more information about VELUX Group, visit velux.com.

]]>VELUX Group and Hydro have agreed to a joint target to reduce CO2  emitted per kilo of aluminium, contributing to the VELUX Group goal to halve value chain emissions by 2030.

]]>The partnership agreement target is for VELUX to reach a level below 2.0 kg carbon emitted per kilogram of aluminium by 2030, which is less than one fifth of the European average of 11.3 kg. This ambitious target includes the entire aluminium value chain and is based on the average of all the extruded aluminium components that Hydro delivers to VELUX. Already by the end of 2022, VELUX expects the partnership to result in a 15,000-20,000 tonne carbon abatement. 

With more than 94 percent of the VELUX Group’s carbon footprint stemming from materials used in its products, value chain collaboration is critical for halving its scope 3 emissions by 2030. (This target is in addition to a 100 percent reduction target for scope 1 and 2 emissions, also by 2030.)

By using the low-carbon products Hydro REDUXA® and Hydro CIRCAL®, carbon emissions per kilo of aluminium used in the manufacturing of VELUX roof windows, flat-roof windows and accessories (shutters and blinds) will be reduced.

About the partnership agreement  

Hydro REDUXA is made using renewable energy sources from water, wind, and solar, as well as hyper-efficient electrolysis technology. Hydro CIRCAL is also manufactured using renewable electricity, and in addition it is made from a minimum of 75 percent recycled, post-consumer aluminium scrap. Hydro REDUXA® and Hydro CIRCAL emit 4.0 kg and 2.3 kg CO2 per kilo of aluminium, respectively.  

VELUX Group and Hydro have agreed to work further together to optimise carbon emission reductions in aluminium.

]]> Thu, 29 Sep 2022 11:00:00 +0200 https://content.presspage.com/uploads/1207/500_minskad-velux.png?10000 https://content.presspage.com/uploads/1207/minskad-velux.png?10000 VELUX Group makes progress towards 100% renewable electricity, zero-plastic packaging and historical emission capture https://press.velux.com/velux-group-2021-sustainability-report/ https://press.velux.com/velux-group-2021-sustainability-report/501263VELUX Group’s 2021 Sustainability Report outlines the progress made at the end of the first year of working to achieve our 2030 sustainability strategy.About the VELUX Group

For more than 80 years, the VELUX Group has created better living environments for people around the world; making the most of daylight and fresh air through the roof. Our product programme includes roof windows and modular skylights, decorative blinds, sun screening products and roller shutters, as well as installation and smart home solutions. These products help to ensure a healthy and sustainable indoor climate, for work and learning, for play and pleasure. We work globally – with sales and manufacturing operations in more than 36 countries and around 11,000 employees worldwide. The VELUX Group is owned by VKR Holding A/S, a limited company wholly owned by non-profit, charitable foundations (THE VELUX FOUNDATIONS) and family. In 2022, the VELUX Group had total revenue of EUR 2.99 billion, VKR Holding had total revenue of EUR 4.29 billion, and THE VELUX FOUNDATIONS donated EUR 181 million in charitable grants.

For more information about VELUX Group, visit velux.com.

]]>VELUX Group’s 2021 Sustainability Report outlines the progress made at the end of the first year of working to achieve our 2030 sustainability strategy. 

]]>The report provides updates on all targets, including progress towards becoming carbon neutral in our own operations, halving CO2e emissions from our value chain and capturing the equivalent of the total carbon footprint of our company’s operations between 1941 and 2041 (historical scope 1 and 2 CO2e emissions). 

First carbon capture forest project underway 
One of the major highlights of 2021 was the start-up of the first carbon capture forest project in Uganda with the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). This is part of our commitment to capture the Group’s historical carbon emissions from our operations (scope one and two). The Uganda project aims to capture around one million tonnes of CO2 by restoring and conserving forests in the Albertine Rift in Uganda, a biodiversity hotspot. This is the first of five forest projects that combined will capture the VELUX Group’s historical CO2. All projects are developed and run by WWF. 

100% renewable electricity supply by 2023 
As part of our aim to become carbon neutral, we are working on a global decarbonisation programme with carbon neutral action plans for each of our factory sites. In 2021, we partnered with Schneider Electric to speed up the switch to 100% renewable energy for electricity by 2023 through a renewable Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) contract. This is contributing to our 2030 target of a 100% reduction in the carbon footprint of our own operations. 

Green our packaging 
During 2021, we worked on transitioning to single material, 100% recyclable packaging with zero plastic. To do this, we developed a new packaging material made solely of paper and cardboard to replace the previous material that was a mix of plastic, paper and cardboard. This new material provides the required protection for products and makes it easier for customers to dispose of the packaging in one waste category. It is already being used for main residential windows in Europe and selected products in the US. 

We achieved limited assurance for our 2021 sustainability reporting and are working towards achieving the auditing level of reasonable assurance in the next few years. 

See our Sustainability Report 2021 highlights.

Read the full Sustainability Report 2021. 

]]> Wed, 06 Apr 2022 09:30:00 +0200 https://content.presspage.com/uploads/1207/500_sustainability-report-2021-banner.png?10000 https://content.presspage.com/uploads/1207/sustainability-report-2021-banner.png?10000 Business Leaders Show Commitment to Tackling the Dual Nature and Climate Crisis at a Future of Business Event Hosted by WWF CEE and The VELUX Group https://press.velux.com/business-leaders-show-commitment-to-tackling-the-dual-nature-and-climate-crisis-at-a-future-of-business-event/ https://press.velux.com/business-leaders-show-commitment-to-tackling-the-dual-nature-and-climate-crisis-at-a-future-of-business-event/480709Business leaders from across the Central Eastern Europe region attended a roundtable event hosted by The VELUX Group and WWF CEE.About the VELUX Group

For more than 80 years, the VELUX Group has created better living environments for people around the world; making the most of daylight and fresh air through the roof. Our product programme includes roof windows and modular skylights, decorative blinds, sun screening products and roller shutters, as well as installation and smart home solutions. These products help to ensure a healthy and sustainable indoor climate, for work and learning, for play and pleasure. We work globally – with sales and manufacturing operations in more than 36 countries and around 11,000 employees worldwide. The VELUX Group is owned by VKR Holding A/S, a limited company wholly owned by non-profit, charitable foundations (THE VELUX FOUNDATIONS) and family. In 2022, the VELUX Group had total revenue of EUR 2.99 billion, VKR Holding had total revenue of EUR 4.29 billion, and THE VELUX FOUNDATIONS donated EUR 181 million in charitable grants.

For more information about VELUX Group, visit velux.com.

]]>Topics discussed at the event ranged from the importance of prioritising biodiversity in climate commitments to the business arguments for investing in science-based sustainability targets.

In the midst of global climate negotiations at COP26 in Glasgow, UK, the VELUX Group, the Science-Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) and WWF CEE nature conservation organization have joined forces to inspire the business community across the CEE region to be nature positive in their approach to tackling climate change.

The IPCC’s Sixth Assessment Report is clear in its direction. Unless there are immediate, rapid and large-scale reductions in greenhouse gas emissions the world cannot achieve the target set by the Paris Agreement to limit global warming to 1.5°C. Many of us are already feeling the consequences of global warming. This year in Hungary, after an exceptionally dry spring, a record-breaking summer followed: the average temperature in the first two summer months has exceeded 23 °C which never happened since the start of measurements some 120 years ago.

The regional event was the third in a series of roundtables hosted by WWF CEE and VELUX, aimed at making clear the opportunities for businesses in the CEE region who set goals that are supported by science and aim to be climate- and nature-positive. The virtual event now moves to Slovakia (30 November) and Czech Republic (1 December). A science-based method is the foundation of The VELUX Group’s pioneering approach to addressing the dual climate and nature crisis – the Lifetime Carbon Neutral commitment. This means the Group has committed to capture its historical carbon footprint through nature-based solutions, reduce its future carbon emissions in line with and beyond the prevailing climate science behind the Paris Agreement’s 1.5°C scenario, and partner with (WWF) on forest conservation projects around the world.

The first VELUX funded forest project with WWF International – in Uganda’s Albertine Rift – officially commenced in August of this year. The project will serve as Uganda’s largest ever contribution to its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). The approximately 34,000-hectare project is expected to provide a saving of around one million tonnes of CO2.

Through the partnership with WWF, the VELUX Group will address 5.6 million tonnes of CO2 (with a 25% buffer included) emitted since the company’s foundation in 1941. VELUX IS also pursuing the ambition to be a 100% carbon neutral company by 2030 (Scope 1 and 2), which it is doing in partnership with Schneider Electric. The partnership, which has been extended to three years, will see all VELUX factory sites successfully reduce their energy use and scale renewable capacity. Schneider Electric is supporting VELUX by implementing a global monitoring system and to deliver Zero Carbon Action plans. The first plans are to be piloted at two of the company’s top energy-consuming plants, which represent approximately 25% of all energy used in VELUX production: JTJ Sonneborn Industrie GmbH in Germany and NM Polska Sp. z o.o. in Poland. VELUX has also created an Energy Excellence programme in accordance with ISO50001. The Group is working to halve carbon emissions across its value chain (Scope 3) by 2030. These targets have been approved by the SBTi. 
 
The first VELUX funded forest project, in its 21-year partnership with WWF International, has officially commenced. The ‘Natural Forest Regeneration for Enhanced Carbon Stocks in the Albertine Rift’ (FRECAR) project will be led by WWF-Uganda in partnership with the National Forestry Authority of Uganda. The approximately 34,000-hectare project is expected to provide a saving of around one million tonnes of CO2. All carbon emissions reductions or removals generated from the project funded will serve as a contribution to the government of Uganda, Uganda’s largest ever contribution to its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
The FRECAR project is located in the Albertine Rift in Uganda, an area of exceptional faunal and moderate floral endemism which spans five nations. It is the first of five forest projects which will see VELUX capture its historical carbon footprint since the business was founded in 1941.

]]>  ]]> Thu, 04 Nov 2021 13:00:00 +0100 https://content.presspage.com/uploads/1207/500_wwf-velux-virtual-round-table.png?39388 https://content.presspage.com/uploads/1207/wwf-velux-virtual-round-table.png?39388 VELUX at COP26 https://press.velux.com/velux-at-cop26/ https://press.velux.com/velux-at-cop26/479206Here is an overview of VELUX Group's presence at COP26 in Glasgow, including event topics, locations and links.VELUX Group participated in the UN Climate Change Conference 2021 (COP26). You can read a full overview of VELUX Group's presence at COP26 in Glasgow, including event topics and locations, as well as view recordings of the various events. 

]]>*Times are GMT local Glasgow times, scheduled by timeslot and NOT by prioritisation

Wednesday 3.11.2021

Title: Business panel discussions on commitments to reduce carbon emissions

Time: 15:30-16:30 GMT

Location: Nordic Pavilion

Topic: Our cities house the majority of the world population and the building sector accounts for more than 40% of total carbon emissions. The Built Environment Day at the Nordic Pavilion will bring forward solutions to reduce carbon in buildings and construction.

Speakers: Kurt Emil Eriksen, Senior Policy Advisor, VELUX Group, plus representatives from other Nordic industries.

Follow the event: Nordisk Samarbejde / Nordic co-operation - YouTube or COP26 Backdoor

Friday 5.11.2021

Title: Decarbonising buildings: The importance of energy efficiency and low-carbon construction materials

Time: 14:30-15:30 GMT

Location: EU Pavilion

Topic: Decarbonising our buildings play a key role in achieving climate neutrality. Putting energy efficiency first will allow to cost-effectively reduce energy demand while using low-carbon construction materials will drastically cut buildings’ embodied emissions. Solutions to achieve the decarbonisation of buildings, which today are responsible for 39% of global emissions. will be presented and debated.

Speakers: Ingrid Reumert, VP External Relations and Sustainability VELUX Group; Celine Carre, Public Affairs Manager, Saint Gobain;  Brian Motherway, Head of Energy Efficiency IEA.

View the programme: European Union side events at COP26

Saturday 6.11.2021

Title: Evidence-based, national energy scenarios that help deliver agreed NDCs

Time: 15:00-16:00 GMT

Location: Nordic Pavilion

Topic: Methodologies and cases for developing national energy and climate plans, which support governments and policymakers to meet their NDCs and achieve the Paris Agreement goals. The plans include a focus on energy efficiency in buildings and suggest levels for energy requirements for the renovation of the existing building stock

Speakers: Kurt Emil Eriksen, Senior Policy Advisor, VELUX Group; Beatriz Fernandez, Associate Programme Management Officer UNEP; Alana Collis, Policy Manager, Institution of Chemical Engineers, UK; Jonathan Symonds, Managing Director, Products Division, Combustion, United Kingdom.

Follow the event: COP26 Backdoor

Monday: 8.11.2021

Title: Panel debate on creating liveable spaces: Homes, heating, cooling, retrofitting

Time: 11:45 – 12:30 GMT

Location: Sustainable Innovation Forum

Topic: This panel will discuss the way forward to a carbon neutral and healthy built environment. What will be the key drivers in successfully decarbonising buildings and how can we engage with homeowners to modernise and renovate buildings to be more efficient and healthier to live in?

Panellists: David Briggs, CEO, VELUX Group; Max Viessmann, Co-CEO, Viessmann Group, CEO, Viessmann Climate Solutions; Cristina Gamboa, CEO, World Green Building Council; George Oliver, Chairman & CEO, Johnson Controls.

Monday: 8.11.2021

Title: Scope 3: Advancing faster forward together

Time: 14:00 – 15:00 GMT

Location: We Mean Business/Building Alliance Pavilion

Topic: Only by catalysing action and engaging in deep partnerships across the entire building value-chains can we decarbonise the building and construction sector by 2050. This invitation only roundtable brings together leading actors at the decision-making level, representing the entire building value-chain, to discuss the concrete steps that we must take to jointly raise our ambitions and advance faster forward together as we embrace the complexities of reducing our upstream and downstream scope 3 emissions.

Speakers: David Briggs, CEO, VELUX Group; Dr Alan Belfield, Chair of Arup Group; Helen Clarkson CEO, The Climate Group (RE100); Mark Watts CEO C40; Carolina Duran, Secretary for Economic Development, City of Bogota; Roland Hunziker WBCSD’s director of sustainable buildings and cities.

Monday: 8.11.2021

Title: A nature positive planet – our common objective

Time: 15:30 – 16:30 GMT

Location: US Climate Action/WWF Panda Pavilion

Topic: The objective is to demonstrate how companies can take action for a nature-positive future through NGO/Private sector partnerships. The session also aims to inspire other companies to make bold commitments that are in line with climate science and can contribute towards reversing nature loss.

This panel will discuss the potential role of companies and NGO/Private sector partnerships in achieving a climate and nature positive planet.

  • What has VELUX done to take responsibility for its climate footprint?
  • How does WWF work with corporate partnerships and how do corporate partnerships – like the one with VELUX - contribute to meeting WWF’s mission?
  • What is the impact of NGO/Private sector partnerships locally?

Speakers: David W Briggs CEO VELUX Group; Marco Lambertini, CEO WWF International; Tom Okello, Executive Director of National Forestry Authority in Uganda.

Tuesday: 9.11.2021

Title: Decarbonise the supply chain in the construction sector

Time: 11:30 – 13:00 GMT

Location: State of Green Pavilion

Topic: Only by catalysing action and engaging in deep partnerships across the entire building value-chain can we decarbonise the building and construction sector by 2050. This roundtable brings together leading companies that have signed up to the SBTi targets and are committed to reducing their emissions in the entire building's value chain. They will discuss their ambitions and the pathways we must take to jointly raise our ambition and advance faster forward together as we embrace the complexities of reducing our upstream and downstream Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions.

Speakers: David W Briggs, CEO VELUX Group; Benoit Bazin, CEO Saint Gobain; Jens-Peter Saul, CEO Ramboll Group; Dr Alan Belfield, Chair of Arup Group; Diederik Samsom, Head of Cabinet of European Commission Executive Vice President Frans Timmermans; Lila Karbassi, Chief of Programmes at the UN Global Compact and SBTI Board Chair.

View the programme: COP26: Tuesday, November 9th

Wednesday: 10.11.2021

Title: Beyond carbon credits: high-quality interventions that work for people, nature and climate

Time: 8:00 – 9:00 GMT

Location: WWF Panda Pavilion

Topic: Given the growing interest from both the public and private sectors to scale nature-based solutions, it is vital that this flow of capital is directed towards the highest quality interventions – those that support people’s livelihoods and protect nature, while also mitigating and adapting to climate change. This event will showcase WWF’s guidance to ensure the right quality and integrity are met and will allow corporate and government speakers to share examples of what best in class nature-based interventions look like in practice. 

Speakers: Ingrid Reumert, VP External Relations and Sustainability, VELUX Group; Vanessa Pérez Cirera, Deputy Practice Leader, Climate & Energy, WWF-International; Milagros Sandoval Diaz, Director of Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, Ministry of Peru (MINAM).

Moderator: Josefina Braña Varela, VP and Deputy Lead, Forests WWF-US

Wednesday: 10.11.2021

Title: Strategy for sustainable buildings

Time: 11:00 – 12:30 GMT

Location: State of Green Pavilion

Topics: The event will focus on the strategy for sustainable buildings, mainly the CO2 requirement for new buildings, but also circularity and renovation. It will give guidance for other countries to follow. The recently published IEA report on Zero 2050, includes ambitions for the built environment and will be a starting point for the discussions; It shows the urgency for actions. The event will firstly introduce the Danish requirements, followed by discussions on how it is a solution to the IEA recommendations and how similar requirements can be introduced in other countries. 

Speakers: Ingrid Reumert, VP External Relations and Sustainability, VELUX Group; Roland Hunziker WBCSD’s director of sustainable buildings and cities, plus representatives from governments and industries.

View the programme: COP26: Wednesday, November 10th

Wednesday: 10.11.2021

Time: 13:00 – 14:00 GMT

Location: State of Green Pavilion

Title: EU Fit for 55 - Energy efficiency

Topics: How shall the EU Fit for 55 be implemented in EU member states

Speakers: Emil Fannikke Kiær, Deputy Director General, Danish Industries; Danish Minister for Climate Dan Jørgensen (TBC); Pernille Weiss, Member of the European Parliament; Ingrid Reumert, VP External Relations and Sustainability, VELUX Group; Klaus Winther Ringgaard, COWI; Michael Simmelsgaard, COO Ramboll; Anthony Abbotts, Director Group Public Affairs & Sustainability ROCKWOOL. Moderator: Nana Bule, CEO of Microsoft.

View the programme: COP26: Wednesday, November 10th

Thursday: 11.11.2021

Title: Health and comfort in sustainable buildings

Time: 10:00 – 11:00 GMT

Location: State of Green Pavilion

Topics: Buildings are mainly designed for people to live, work and be educated in and as people in the northern part of Europe spend 90% of their time inside those buildings, it is of high importance that our future new and renovated buildings are designed with a focus on human health and comfort. This session will discuss solutions and multiple benefits by focusing on health and comfort in building design. The VELUX Healthy Home Barometer has created awareness in the UK and will be presented in short.

Speakers: Neil Freshwater, Public Affairs UK manager and Eire VELUX GBI; Schmidt Hammer Lassen, Danfoss; ROCKWOOL

View the programme: COP26: Thursday, November 11th

Thursday: 11.11.2021

Title: Multistakeholder partnerships promoting climate adaptation

Time: 13:30 – 14:30 GMT

Location: Danish Pavillion

Topics: Open discussion revolving around the question "how can multistakeholder partnerships promote climate action in developing countries?"

Speakers: Birgitte Qvist-Sørensen, General Secretary, DanChurchAid; Ian de Cruz, Global Director, P4G; Ulrich Bang, Head of Market, Danish Chamber of Commerce; Kurt Emil Eriksen, Senior Policy Advisor, VELUX Group

Moderator: Mattias Söderberg, DanChurchAid

Friday: 12.11.2021

Title: BACA event with WWF Belgium-WWF India

Time: 12:00 – 13:00 GMT

Location: Benelux-EIB Pavilion

Topics: How companies take action and commit to reducing their own carbon emissions, through co-operation with other companies and working with Science-Based Targets SBTi

Speakers: Kurt Emil Eriksen, Senior Policy Advisor, VELUX Group, plus a representative from WWF India.

COP26 Gallery

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