Our approach to environmental topics, Environment
Environmental systems are important foundations for society and economic activity. With this in mind, Commerzbank takes environmental matters into account in relevant internal processes, strategic decisions and activities.
Sustainability and ESG are widely used terms. Sustainability describes a forward-looking perspective in which environmental, social and economic aspects are considered over the long term in order to preserve the foundations of life and business for future generations. In the corporate and financial sectors in particular, these aspects are commonly summarized under the term ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance). Sustainability is defined differently across regulatory, scientific, and economic contexts. Regulatory requirements, such as the EU Taxonomy or the EU Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation, provide a framework for individual sustainability aspects while leaving room for company-specific specification.
The specific meaning of sustainability for Commerzbank AG’s products, services, and business activities is set out in the ESG Framework. It defines the relevant criteria and distinguishes, in particular, between the Bank’s own business and external client investment and insurance business, including asset management and securities business (“third-party business”).
The environmental dimension of sustainability
Sustainability describes a forward-looking perspective in which environmental, social and economic aspects are considered over the long term in order to preserve the foundations of life and business for future generations. In the corporate and financial sectors in particular, these aspects are commonly summarized under the term ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance).
Protecting the environment and climate, as well as using natural resources responsibly and efficiently, are key elements of the environmental dimension of sustainability.
Safeguarding liveable environmental conditions for present and future generations over the long term requires timely and effective action. Financial institutions bear particular responsibility in this context due to their financing and steering functions. Commerzbank therefore aims to support clients in their transformation initiatives through selected financing and advisory services, while also implementing its own measures in relevant environmental areas.
Our commitment to environmental sustainability
Net zero portfolio
We aim to achieve net zero carbon emissions from our loan and investment portfolio by 2050. To calculate and set the target, we have joined the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).
10% sustainable loans
We want to permanently allocate at least 10 percent of our new loan business to green and social projects and business models, as well as to our clients’ transformation measures.
Net zero banking operations
We want to achieve net zero carbon emissions in our own operations by 2040. This covers Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions.
Further information on how we address environmental and climate-related topics in our banking operations, banking business and internal processes can also be found on the relevant topic-specific pages.
- Sustainable Operations
We have set a number of measures and targets in our own banking operations, thus making our contribution to climate and environmental protection.
- Banking Business
We divide our financial products into general finance and sustainable finance. While both categories meet our basic social and environmental ESG requirements, Sustainable Finance also...
- Portfolio Targets
Our Path to Net Zero in the Loan and Investment Portfolio by 2050
- Biodiversity
Sustainability is more than climate protection! Commerzbank is committed to the sustainable use and protection of global biodiversity.