It all starts with climate protection

“We see it as our responsibility to actively support change,” summarises Bettina Storck, Divisional Head of Group Sustainability Management at Commerzbank. “Sustainability is an integral part of our Strategy.” Commerzbank’s understanding of sustainability is set out transparently for all its stakeholders in its ESG framework. This includes a description of the criteria for sustainable lending.

Overall, renewable energies are playing a key role in transforming the economy. Hydrogen is also becoming increasingly relevant in the fight against climate change, providing it is produced using wind, solar or hydroelectric power and is thus CO2-free. Here countries with many hours of sunshine have a head start in production. This is why Commerzbank is continuing to expand its international network, for example in the Middle East and North Africa, to ensure a local presence for its customers.

Climate protection is just the beginning

The next key issue on Commerzbank's sustainability agenda is biodiversity protection. “This is about more than just flowers and bees. Without functioning ecosystems, the very existence of our planet is at stake,” explains Storck. “This is the next big task that we are now tackling.”