Solingen's Representative Assembly Greenlights Financial Report and Strategic Shift
In a significant gathering, the Savings and Building Association Solingen eG, one of Germany's strongest housing cooperatives, held its 100th representative assembly in Solingen-Middle. The event, attended by 154 member representatives, was hailed as the largest representative assembly of a housing cooperative in North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW).
Addressing the assembly, Hans-Werner Bertl, the outgoing chairman of the supervisory board, expressed his gratitude for the turnout and emphasised the importance of the gathering, stating, "This event is likely the largest representative assembly of a housing cooperative in NRW, reflecting the strong engagement and commitment of our members."
Bertl, who announced his decision not to seek re-election due to personal reasons, was praised for his service and presented with a gift basket by Roland Bak, the chairman of the board, on behalf of the board and the cooperative.
The assembly also approved the resolution of the annual accounts for the year 2024, discharging both the board and the supervisory board, and gave the green light for the payment of the maximum dividend of four percent to the members. The current business report balance sheet increased from 320.6 million euros in 2023 to 324.3 million euros in 2024, with the equity ratio also rising from 43.5 percent to 45.2 percent.
Pascal Piqué, a member of the board, highlighted the positive development of the savings facility, with the volume of savings deposits increasing to over 100 million euros.
Bak, in his address, stressed the importance of making "the right decisions today to shape the future of the cooperative positively." He also spoke about the cooperative's commitment to reducing costs of the legally anchored CO2 tax and becoming climate-neutral by 2045. Measures towards these goals were discussed, including the already implemented rainwater strategy and energy-efficient modernization measures in the settlements of Brühler Berg and Hoffeld.
Claudia Rudolf, a former member of the supervisory board, did not run for re-election. The new composition of the supervisory board includes Heike Neundoerfer, Bernhard Mueller, and Marina Dobbert.
Roland Bak reminded members of their responsibility to do more for society, echoing the motto of the 2024 business report, "Together and with confidence, we shape our future." The next representative assembly will take place in the citizens' hall of the town church on June 13, 2026, at 10 am.
As the Savings and Building Association Solingen eG continues to grow and adapt, it remains committed to its members, the community, and the pursuit of energy-efficient and sustainable practices. For the latest updates and specifics on their decisions, renovation projects, climate strategies, or financial structures, it is recommended to consult the cooperative's official communications or contact them directly.
- In his address, Roland Bak, the new chairman of the board, spoke about the cooperative's commitment to reducing costs of the legally anchored CO2 tax and becoming climate-neutral by 2045, emphasizing the importance of science and environmental-science in achieving these goals.
- As the Savings and Building Association Solingen eG prepares for its next representative assembly on June 13, 2026, the board stresses the need for the business to finance these environmental initiatives and make the right decisions today to shape a sustainable future.
- Demonstrating a strong business acumen, the assembly approved the resolution of the annual accounts for the year 2024, discharging both the board and the supervisory board, while also allowing for the payment of a maximum dividend of four percent to the members – a testament to the cooperative's financial stability and growth.
