Habitat for Humanity: Sustainable Housing for All

For many people, a daily shower and being able to heat the house in winter is something they can take for granted. But not everyone is able to enjoy such home comforts. This is where wienerberger comes in: together with Habitat for Humanity International, the company helps needy people in its local markets by improving their living conditions.

Housing for More than 3,000 People

wienerberger is one of Habitat for Humanity International’s most important project partners in Europe. “Eliminating housing poverty is an enormous challenge that requires determination and a great many helpers. wienerberger joined forces with Habitat in 2012. Thanks to the company’s support, thousands of people today are living in healthier and warmer houses”, says Rick Hathaway, Area Vice-President for Europe, the Middle East and Africa at Habitat for Humanity International.

wienerberger provides targeted help to those in need, above all in the form of wienerberger building materials and construction expertise. The social projects that have already been realized have given direct help to more than 3,140 people in eight countries: Bulgaria, Hungary, North Macedonia, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, USA and the United Kingdom. In addition, wienerberger employees provide hands-on assistance with the construction of houses on volunteer programs. At the same time, the company seeks to raise awareness among politicians and public authorities of the importance of social housing.

In the Romanian town of Berceni – in the county of Prahova – wienerberger is supporting a social housing project and providing twelve families with decent housing built to modern standards. The Bucur family is one of those who benefit: Since birth, the family’s two-year-old daughter has suffered from epileptic attacks. Until now the family of three has lived in a small, overcrowded house with their grandparents in substandard conditions and no sanitary facilities. The construction of three multi-family houses will enable families like them to live in dignity in a healthier home.

ESG: Wienerberger Actions Social Criteria

“As one of the world’s biggest suppliers of building material and infrastructure solutions we bear a special responsibility in the area of Environmental Social Governance (ESG). It is immensely important to create housing for those who are underprivileged and to improve their living conditions. Our partnership with Habitat for Humanity International enables us to do our part”, explains Heimo Scheuch, CEO of wienerberger.

In its social projects the company adheres to the highest national and international standards of ESG (Environmental Social Governance). Furthermore, wienerberger has set itself an ambitious goal for corporate social responsibility: to build 200 housing units per year with our products for people in need in our local markets between 2021 and 2023. 

Construction and Renovation of Buildings

wienerberger supports the construction and renovation of residential and other buildings. Between 2018 and 2020 alone the company built or renovated 106 housing units, such as homes and non-residential buildings. Thanks to these joint efforts with Habitat for Humanity, children are now able to learn more effectively as they can concentrate better in warm classrooms. Older people and those with disabilities have the chance to live a life of dignity in decent living conditions.

Victims of domestic violence can finally feel safe. And people in need are supported through community projects such as community centers or centers for people with special needs. “From building houses to renovating schools and centers for people with disabilities: wienerberger supports people in need throughout Central and Eastern Europe. We would like to thank the company for its long-standing partnership and active participation in our regional advocacy work,” says Rick Hathaway from Habitat for Humanity International.