Beethoven-Haus in Bonn presents its public benefit report

The Beethoven-Haus is one of the first cultural institutions in Germany to have drawn up a public welfare balance sheet. Since November 2021, the process of compiling the report in accordance with the criteria of the Economy for the Common Good has kept the institution’s departments fully occupied. Alongside Malte Boecker, Director of the Beethoven-Haus, numerous staff members, as well as members of the Executive Board, members of the Board of Trustees and external guests – including local politicians – took part in the process, which examines the impact of the Beethoven-Haus’s work on the common good of society. Social, environmental and other sustainability aspects are assessed. The final assessment, which was drawn up following a review of the report by an external auditor from the Economy for the Common Good, is now available. Out of a possible 1,000 points, the Beethoven-Haus achieved 370 – a good result for an initial assessment. The report has been published on the Beethoven-Haus website, where it can be viewed or downloaded.

'This initial review shows us where action is needed so that the Beethoven-Haus can continue to develop into a sustainable, future-proof institution. We will now turn our attention to the various areas of focus and aim to present a second review in 2025 to assess whether our measures have been successful and whether we have been able to improve in terms of our contribution to the common good,' said Malte Boecker.

The Economy for the Common Good (GWÖ) is a reform movement launched by Christian Felber in 2010, whose aim is to align economic activity with the democratically defined common good. At the heart of this economic model lies the qualitative question of ‘a good life for all’, rather than purely quantitative growth. Its values also include human dignity, solidarity, co-determination, environmental sustainability and social justice. The Economy for the Common Good model is regarded as a suitable tool for implementing the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted in 2019. The Common Good Balance Sheet is the corresponding reporting tool used to describe and assess the status quo and identify potential for improvement. It evaluates the contribution that a legal entity makes to the common good. The preparation of a Common Good Balance Sheet is voluntary. It can be submitted by companies, institutions and local authorities, as well as by private individuals. An increasing number of companies and local authorities are now applying the Economy for the Common Good and striving to implement its criteria.

The Beethoven-Haus's public benefit report for 2020/2021 is available here.

Contact:
Ursula Timmer-Fontani
Head of Corporate Communications
timmer-fontani@beethoven.de
Tel. +49 228 98175-16

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