As we understand it, the implementation of environmental standards is part of a socially and environmentally responsible business model – not only in connection with lending operations but also in our day-to-day work. Consequently, we have developed a three-pillar-model, which is applied across the whole ProCredit group:
- Internal environmental management system: ProCredit Bank continually monitors its own energy and resource consumption in terms of environmental impact and opportunities for improvement. In addition, environmental education makes up a significant part of continuing professional development for our staff on both the regional and the international level. Therefore, ProCredit Bank Germany has designated an Environmental Co-ordinator to monitor our environmental performance and co-ordinate the efforts to improve it.
The bank’s environmental management system is certified according to ISO 14001:2015 and EMAS. - Assessment of environmental risks in lending: When assessing the environmental risks of lending, ProCredit Bank Germany also applies the criteria that were developed for the whole ProCredit group. Before issuing a loan we perform an in-depth analysis of the client’s economic activities to identify potential environmental risks, and reject loan applications from enterprises engaged in activities which are deemed environmentally hazardous and appear on the ProCredit exclusion list. By taking environmental issues into consideration during the loan decision-making process, ProCredit Bank can also contribute to raising awareness about the environment among clients and staff. For a description of the group-wide approach, click here.
- Promotion of “Green Finance” in South Eastern and Eastern Europe: The aim of the ProCredit group is to finance economic development in an ecologically and socially balanced way. Special green loans are used to support investments in energy efficiency, renewable energies and environmental protection in South Eastern and Eastern Europe. The ProCredit Bank in Germany participates in these investment loans in South Eastern and Eastern Europe, but not in Germany.
The three pillar approach of the ProCredit group shown here is embedded in our Environmental Management Policy, which gives practical examples of how we live up to this ideal and how it is integrated into our everyday working practices.
Sustainable lending through the use of exclusion criteria
The ProCredit group has developed a list of exclusion criteria which is consulted every time a loan application is reviewed, ensuring that we do not finance companies whose activities are harmful to society or the environment. We reject all business relationships with companies involved in the following activities:
- Violation of human rights
- Production of or trade in weapons or munitions
- Infringements against local environmental standards
- Work with radioactive or asbestos-containing materials
- Products made with wood from forests that have not been certified as sustainably managed
- Transboundary movement of waste prohibited under international law
- Trade in wild plants and animals
- Endangerment of cultural or archaeological sites
- Endangerment of indigenous peoples and/or endangered groups
- Endangerment of indigenous peoples and/or endangered groups
- Trade in forbidden pharmaceuticals, pesticides or chemicals
- Gambling, casinos and equivalent enterprises
- Pornography and prostitution
This is only an excerpt. You can find the complete exclusion list here.