ECE SOCIAL IMPACT STRATEGY
SOCIAL COMMUNITY HUBS
ECE shopping centers are much more than just places to shop – ECE has turned them into social community hubs where the focus is on people as visitors. As public, multifunctional spaces, social community hubs combine a variety of uses, functions, and services, giving visitors the opportunity to get the things they need, connect with other people, and enjoy an experience. This creates vibrant places that generate lasting value for all users and the entire neighborhood and help to strengthen and enrich the local community. The idea is also to make the centers available as supply and contact hubs where local people can go in public emergencies and crisis situations. ECE’s specially devised social impact strategy with measurable goals allows us to make sure that the measures taken are effective. At the same time, it helps owners to meet increasing ESG requirements – when certification is needed, for example, or if a social taxonomy is introduced.
CATEGORIES AND GOALS
Based on the scoring model devised by the Institute for Corporate Governance (ICG), which ECE trialed as part of our evaluation of the Alstertal shopping center, and drawing on criteria from other systems, ECE has developed goals for different categories.
01
Promotion of social interaction and communication
Example goal:
Making unused center space available to clubs and groups.
02
Supply hub
Example goal:
Centers to serve as places where people can come in crisis situations, supporting authorities and communities.
03
Sustainability and social responsibility
Example goal:
Promoting sustainable journeys to centers by e-bike by increasing the number of charging stations for e-bikes and parking spaces for cargo bikes.
04
Health and wellbeing
Example goal:
Focusing on the health and wellbeing of customers and employees by organizing events aimed at improving people’s health.
05
Cultural diversity
Example goal:
Organizing cultural events for the community in each center
06
Inclusion and participation
Example goal:
Making all ECE centers accessible by 2026.
07
Child- and family-friendliness
Example goal:
Organizing services/activities for children in every center from 2026.
08
Individual rents and support for local businesses
Example goal:
Letting space to local tenants to boost the variety of stores and services in all centers.
09
Shopping in a safe atmosphere
Example goal:
Guaranteeing security in shopping centers by drawing up a comprehensive security concept.
“Whether serving as a vaccination center during the coronavirus pandemic or as a hub after the tragic attack on Magdeburg Christmas market – the Allee Center Magdeburg is a reliable partner in crises. It has always been able to offer fast, professional help without red tape thanks to its central location, perfect infrastructure, and dedicated staff.”
DR. INGO GOTTSCHALK, ALDERMAN OF THE CITY OF MAGDEBURG
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From left: Stefan Perlbach, CEO of the association Hilfe für Helfer in Not – Polizei-Feuerwehr-Rettungsdienst e. V., Petra Kann, center manager oft he Allee-Center Magdeburg, Dennis Brandt, board member and crisis intervention liaison at the association Hilfe für Helfer in Not – Polizei-Feuerwehr-Rettungsdienst e. V.
