ESG

three factors by which we measure sustainability as well as the social and ethical impact of investing in society

Sustainable financing takes into account the ESG factors when deciding on investments in the financial sector, while ESG factors represent environmental factors (E), social factors (S) and factors of a sustainable corporate governance system (G).

Our team of sustainable finance advisors combines knowledge and experience in the field of sustainability with transactions in the banking market.

As your banking partner, we offer you a wide range of tailor-made financing solutions. We are a bank with a long-standing commitment to the renewable energy sector in the Czech market. We will advise you on new investment decisions and help you choose the mix of credit and leasing instruments that best suits your requirements.

ESG

Supported projects

UniCredit Bank will propose solutions for your projects in the following areas:

Renewable energy

Production of electric energy from renewable sources or using more energy from renewable sources

Example:

Construction of equipment for the production of electricity from renewable energy sources.

Increase of renewable source energy at the expense of “dirty” energy source.

Greenhouse gases

Reducing the volume of greenhouse gases emitted - CO2, methane, nitrous oxide, freons

Example:

Any investment, which will reduce GHG emissions – excluding including coal / gas power plants.

Energy efficiency

Improving energy efficiency of buildings, machinery, vehicles, and equipment

Example:

Construction of buildings with internationally recognized certifications.

Refurbishment of buildings to increase energy efficiency.

Purchase of vehicles, equipment with higher energy efficiency.

Water consumption

Improved water management and lower water consumption

Example:

Decrease of water volumes needed for operations / production.

Wastewater treatment.

Flood mitigation.

Water retention in the landscape.

Waste management

Decrease of waste production, waste recycling and circular economy

Example:

Decrease of volume of produced waste.

Decrease of faulty production and therefore decrease of waste.

Production of electric energy from waste.

Better waste recycling.

Processing of biologically degradable waste (compost heaps).

Transportation

Support of sustainable transportation

Example:

Purchase of “clean” types of transportation – electric cars, hybrids.

Infrastructure for operating “clean” types of transportation (streetcars, electrification of railroads, charging stations).

Agriculture

Sustainable farming and animal husbandry

Example:

Sustainable crop production.

Sustainable animal husbandry and extensive agriculture.

Production of bio food (or similar certification).

Smart farms, irrigation systems.

Social housing

Housing projects with social aspects

Example:

Construction of homes for the elderly and Alzheimer's centers

Affordable housing

Construction of affordable flats/houses

For more details, contact your company consultant or send an email to esg@unicreditgroup.cz.

ESG – do you know where your company stands?

The reality of today's world means that the demands on businesses are growing. It is increasingly important to consider ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) criteria in corporate strategy. Any company that thinks about the sustainability of its business faces a number of issues. The ESG Barometer developed by UniCredit Group provides answers to the following questions:

✔ Where does my company stand in terms of sustainability?

✔ Which areas need to be focused on?

✔ Do we know what are the options?

✔ What is important in my sector?

✔ Do I have answers to important questions?

✔ What are the risks?

Changes in the economy towards greater sustainability are underway and more and more SMEs are realising that action is needed. However, entrepreneurs who embark on sustainable projects repeatedly find that it is not so easy. That is why UniCredit Bank, together with sustainability rating provider ISS-ESG, has developed a tool for businesses.

It is an advisory tool specifically developed for corporate clients as a simplified version of ESG rating. There are currently 22 industrial sectors available in the ESG Barometer. Based on detailed sectoral analyses, companies can quickly determine, in discussion with their business advisor, how sustainable their business model is and what opportunities and risks arise for them from a sustainable economic transformation. A detailed catalogue of questions ensures that all aspects that are important to the company now and in the future are considered. The result is an individual company assessment that shows the company's strengths and weaknesses and clearly indicates where action needs to be taken.

	The UniCredit Bank ESG Barometer analysis is carried out in 7 steps:
	Sector profile
	Each discussion starts with a detailed profile of the sector. Based on 22 risk profiles, we'll find out what's critical for you in terms of sustainability.

	ESG climate factor
	Based on the risk profile of your sector and your company's climate risk management, we will carry out an individual climate risk assessment.

	ESG social factor
	The second "S" factor is gaining importance in the ESG world. We will evaluate relevant social issues such as labour standards, equal opportunities or supplier-customer relationship management.

	ESG "G" factor - responsible corporate governance
	Clearly defined processes and rules, as well as high safety standards, are prerequisites for assessing responsible corporate governance, the third ESG factor.

	Key issues in the respective sector
	Each analysis is tailored to the specific challenges of the respective sector and the particular needs of your company. This allows you to quickly see where you need to start to make sure that your company is ready for a sustainable future.

	Impacts of the SDGs on products and services
	The benchmark is the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations. To have a real impact, your company's actions should contribute to one or, better still, several of the Sustainable Development Goals. We use the ESG Barometer to find out which of your products or services support or hinder the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.

	Importance of the EU taxanomy
	The EU has consistently led the way on sustainability in terms of funding. The EU Taxonomy is a classification system that allows companies and investors to determine which economic activities can be considered sustainable and which cannot. The ESG Barometer takes into account the requirements of the taxonomy and identifies possible areas for action.