NEWS

July 11, 2023, Beijing – V-GARDEN, a public green space for the local community neighbouring Volkswagen Group China’s headquarters, was officially opened to the public today. Jointly developed by Volkswagen Group China and the Beijing Afforestation Foundation, V-GARDEN embodies the Group’s commitment to creating green spaces that enhance community life in Beijing.  Guided by Volkswagen Group’s "goTOzero" environmental mission statement, the goal of V-GARDEN is to strengthen the ecological resilience of community green spaces, protect urban biodiversity, and provide an ecological oasis within the city. It also aims to enrich the living environment for nearby residents, providing them with the opportunity to connect with nature. Volkswagen Group China employees supported building of the garden through volunteer activities. 

Dr. Liu Yunfeng, Executive Vice President of Volkswagen Group China, Head of Corporate & JV Affairs, said: "Protecting biodiversity is an important part of the Group's 'goTOzero' environmental mission statement. In line with our commitment to green, low-carbon operations, the Group also initiates meaningful public welfare projects to meet environmental and community responsibilities. V-GARDEN stands as a testament to our commitment, enhancing biodiversity in urban areas and creating a symbiotic relationship between humans and nature."

Jens Pfitzinger, Executive Vice President of Volkswagen Group China, responsible for Human Resources, Organization & ITP, said: "Taking responsibility for the environment and society has always been deeply embedded in our core values. Whether it's through our products or our culture, or inside or outside the office, our colleagues continuously strive to promote sustainability. I'm truly pleased to see them participate in yet another event, volunteering at V-GARDEN, thereby bolstering biodiversity and supporting a low-carbon future in our community.”

Located east of the Beijing-Chengde Expressway, V-GARDEN covers an area of approximately 15,000 square meters, serving as a key component of the city’s network of green spaces. It incorporates existing flora to form a near-natural forest environment comprising 350 trees, 3,450 shrubs, and 2,500 square meters planted with flowers. The diverse vegetation strengthens the ecological resilience of the urban green space, providing abundant habitats and food sources for a variety of insects and birds. Additionally, a renovated entrance, flower borders, walking trails, resting areas, an observation deck, and children's play areas, all create a natural urban refuge for nearby residents.

Consistent with its corporate culture, Volkswagen Group China has been engaging its employees in corporate social responsibility initiatives, fostering a shared sense of responsibility towards building a sustainable society. During the creation of V-GARDEN, nearly a hundred employees and their families participated in a volunteering event. Guided by forestry experts, they planted trees and flowers, thereby making a personal contribution in this community-enhancing green space.

Corporate social responsibility has been an integral part of Volkswagen Group China’s corporate strategy and sustainable development goals. The Group strives to drive positive impact within the communities in which it operates.  "Low-carbon Future", highlighted by the “Green Belt” afforestation project, is one of the key pillars of the Group's new corporate social responsibility strategy. Since its launch in 2021, the "Green Belt" project has planted 2.55 million trees covering 12 million square meters in Gansu and Qinghai Provinces. These efforts have been instrumental in protecting local communities against soil erosion, desertification, and sandstorms, while preserving greater biodiversity. More than 100,000 local villagers have benefitted from this initiative. V-GARDEN is a new addition to the Group’s commitment to improving local urban habitats.  

V-GARDEN unveiled to protect urban biodiversity and promote sustainable communities

V-GARDEN opening ceremony

Yang Shutian, Chairman of Beijing Afforestation Foundation, presented the donation certificate to Jens Pfitzinger, Executive Vice President of Volkswagen Group China, responsible for Human Resources, Organization & ITP

Dr. Liu Yunfeng, Executive Vice President of Volkswagen Group China, Head of Corporate & JV Affairs, delivered a speech at the opening ceremony