BayWa 2024 Update

Pioneering a renewable energy concept  

In 2022, the VELUX Group signed two new virtual power purchase agreements with BayWa r.e. that will drive the development of two new solar (photovoltaic) PV parks in southern Spain. 

When both projects are completed and connected to the grid, the solar plants will generate 167 GWh of renewable electricity annually. That is enough power to cover all the VELUX Group’s European operations today - and several years ahead - and it constitutes about 90% of our current global electricity consumption. 

Enabling new solar plants is part of our work to achieve 100% renewable electricity and will help us reach the emissions reduction target for our global operations by 2030. 


Deepening our commitment to climate and nature action

In addition to supporting the transition to renewable energy, the new solar plants are part of the VELUX Group’s ongoing commitment to communities, climate and nature action. 

To ensure that the parks prioritise local nature and their communities, BayWa r.e. is working with two nearby universities to form an interdisciplinary research group. The findings of this group will be used to create comprehensive site strategies and action plans that can enhance biodiversity and foster community involvement.


Solar Plant Symbiosis  

One of the solar parks will include a pioneering Agri-PV installation, combining energy generation and agriculture. The installation will be specially designed to allow for crops to grow between the solar panels. Rotational solar panels will be placed with wider spacing between them to enable farming machinery to pass. The photovoltaic modules can also collect rainwater, conserving valuable resources and enhancing the climate resilience of the crops. 

Combining solar power production, agriculture, biodiversity and community is a concept we call ‘Solar Plant Symbiosis.’ Its ambitions stretch further than regulatory requirements with investments in improved biodiversity and collaboration with the local community and ensures the mutual benefit of all parties involved. 

Read more case stories
RENEWABLE ENERGY
BayWa 2024 Update
A large solar park developed for the VELUX Group to meet its renewable power needs in Europe is now fully operational and connected to the local electricity grid in Spain.
CIRCULARITY
Low-carbon blinds
In 2023, VELUX launched a new range of low-carbon blinds. This new product range is helping us learn about how we can reduce carbon emissions and increase circularity in product development.
DAY0002466_INVEST KOMFORT Dantyszka_Bedroom_Var1_04.jpg
DECARBONISATION
2024 gold rating from EcoVadis

The VELUX Group has been awarded the EcoVadis gold rating for the second consecutive year, placing us among the top 3% of companies worldwide in sustainability performance.

WASTE MANAGEMENT
Greenwood waste reduction
Over the past few years, the VELUX Greenwood site in South Carolina has focused on reducing the amount of waste sent to landfills. In 2023 this has resulted in an impressive reduction in landfilled waste of over 40% since 2022.
REDUCING EMISSIONS
Investing in renewables
As part of the VELUX Group’s ongoing efforts to reduce emissions from our own operations and ultimately to deliver on our target of 100% reduction in our operational emissions, we are continuously improving the energy efficiency of our production process.
WWF FOREST PROJECT
New livelihoods for local communities
In the Albertine Rift in Uganda, where we have financed the first forest project developed and delivered by WWF, local communities are an important part of the regeneration of the forest. Their involvement is vital for reversing forest and biodiversity loss and addressing climate issues.
WWF FOREST PROJECT
Protecting and restoring the world’s forests
The VELUX Group has financed two new forest conservation and restoration projects in Viet Nam and Madagascar. Like the first forest project in Uganda launched in 2021, these projects are being developed and delivered by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF).