Sustainability
What does sustainability mean to us?
Sustainability is an integral part of everything we do, both at a strategic level and in our everyday decisions. We know that we are responsible for how our activities affect the environment and society, and we do everything we can to ensure that these changes are for the better.
Our ambition is to lead by example. We believe that we have a responsibility not only to our clients, but also to society as a whole. That is why we strive to fulfil our purpose – to support our internal and external communities, from employees to disadvantaged groups, and contribute to their development.
To achieve this, we have set clear goals. We also want to keep pace with regulations and market developments. We monitor specific Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) targets that enable us to measure our progress, while working with our loan portfolio to achieve zero emissions financing by 2050.
We rely on four main pillars that help us achieve our goals:
- Supporting communities – We build on the people and communities we work with and actively support their development.
- Going beyond climate issues – We consider natural capital, related risks, and opportunities in the overall context of sustainability.
- Supporting clients – We help our clients transition to more sustainable business models through strategies and transformation plans for sustainable business.
- Transparency and accountability – We strengthen trust through open reporting and impact assessment.
These pillars are firmly grounded in four strategic elements that enable their effective implementation:
- Expanded offering for clients – We offer clients a wider selection of ESG tools and services that align with their sustainability goals.
- Strong framework and oversight – We manage our ESG risks based on a well-defined framework that includes systematic portfolio oversight.
- Effective governance – In the area of ESG, we work with clearly defined responsibilities and emphasise fostering a culture of accountability.
- Empowered culture – We maintain a unified vision, strategy, and principles on how to Win. The right way. Together.
At UniCredit Bank Czech Republic and Slovakia, we focus on three key areas that drive our sustainability strategy:
ESG financing and client support
- We focus on supporting projects with a positive social and environmental impact.
- We work to achieve our financed emissions targets with the goal of Net Zero.
- We expand our offering to our clients with digital investment solutions with a sustainable impact.
Our own responsible operations
- We are actively switching to renewable energy sources and reducing our carbon footprint.
- We optimise electricity consumption and increase operational efficiency.
Our people and communities
- We invest in employee development in ESG, diversity, equality, and inclusion (DE&I).
- We support financial education and other educational activities.
- We create an environment that promotes well-being and an inclusive culture in the workplace.
- We are actively involved in supporting our communities.
Take a look at the products we offer
Individuals and entrepreneurs
We believe that sustainability should be beneficial for people. That is why we offer our clients better terms on loans for environmentally or socially beneficial projects. For example, for your first home, insulating your house, or purchasing low-energy property.
We also offer investments in ESG funds that comply with sustainable business rules.
Corporate clients
For us, sustainable business isn't just about green investments or financing our clients' responsible goals. We also offer expert advice and training programmes for anyone who wants to fully transition to a sustainable economy. Thanks to personal meetings, regional events and popular webinars, we are able to provide effective assistance throughout the country.
In addition, we support electromobility, charging stations and photovoltaic systems with favourable loans and leasing.
Take a look at what we do in each area
Environmental responsibility
The environment is vital to us. We invest in sustainable technologies, use less and less paper, which is 100% recycled, and carefully sort everything from organic waste to metals. We support electric mobility, but also people who cycle or run to work. What's more, we also help out as volunteers.
Social Responsibility
We want the people around us to have a better life. We support local and national charities, help communities in our neighbourhood, and teach financial literacy to children and young people in schools. We donate not only money, but also our time and commitment as volunteers and lecturers.
Corporate governance and regulation
We believe that a well-informed client is a satisfied client. Therefore, we naturally share all important information with our customers, as required by law. In addition, we regularly inform them about opportunities for sustainable and socially responsible investing. So that together we can contribute to a better future.
Diversity, equality & inclusion
Diversity and inclusion are not foreign concepts to us – quite the contrary. They are inherent to our culture. We support part-time work, equal pay, parents, the LGBTQ+ community and colleagues with disabilities. So that everyone feels respected, valued and has the same opportunity to grow,. Rregardless of age, gender, health or life situation.
CSRD report
Our 2024 Annual Report includes a Sustainability Report prepared in accordance with the EU Directive on corporate sustainability reporting (CSRD).
It contains our thorough assessment of double materiality, which helped us determine which ESG issues are most important for our business and our partners. It also provides information on how we are performing in terms of sustainability according to European sustainability reporting standards (ESRS).
