Sustainable Development Goals
Transforming our world: As part of society, Commerzbank is making its contribution to achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
Background of the Sustainable Development Goals
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations are intended to ensure sustainable development from an economic, social, and ecological perspective. The 17 goals with a total of 169 sub-goals address economic growth, disparities in living standards and equal opportunities, sustainable use of natural resources and human rights.
Commerzbank’s contribution to the SDGs
Commerzbank also has a responsibility to contribute to the SDGs. We are primarily focusing our efforts on those goals which we have the greatest impact on by means of our business model. Therefore, the environmental SDGs are our initial strategic focus: After all, protecting ecological livelihoods is a prerequisite for social stability and economic prosperity, which is where our greatest impact lever as a financial institution lies. In the overview below, we illustrate precisely how Commerzbank contributes to the achievement of each goal.
Material SDGs
Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls
- Strategies for gender equality: Commerzbank actively promotes diversity and aims to increase the proportion of women in leadership positions to 40% by 2030. This objective is supported through targeted measures such as proactive approaches in recruitment processes and dedicated awareness workshops.
- Work-life balance: A range of measures – including company-supported childcare, innovative part-time models, structured return programmes, and a guaranteed return following parental leave – create enhanced career opportunities for women.
Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all
- Low-carbon banking operations and use of renewable electricity:
Commerzbank has offset its greenhouse gas emissions from its banking operations since 2015. At domestic locations, the bank has used 100% renewable electricity since 2013, with the global share reaching approximately 98%.
Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all
- Commitment to diversity and inclusion: With seven D&I networks and more than 1,500 committed employees, Commerzbank promotes equal opportunities, a culture of partnership and an inclusive working environment. In addition, the Bank demonstrates its commitment to people with disabilities and older individuals through measures such as improved accessibility of its products and services.
- Learning and diversity as key success factors: Commerzbank offers targeted learning opportunities such as “Speexx Smart4All”, a modern, interactive online language training programme available in five languages, as well as a wide range of professional development initiatives to enhance the skills and satisfaction of its employees.
Reduce inequality within and among countries
- Long-standing commitment to diversity: Commerzbank’s Diversity Management has been fostering an open, fair and inclusive corporate culture for almost 30 years. Its focus includes gender equality, the inclusion of people with disabilities, and the promotion of cultural diversity. Employees from around 120 nations contribute to the bank’s diverse workforce.
- Support for LGBTQ+ and allies networks: Through initiatives led by the ARCO network and programmes such as Executive Allies at senior management level, Commerzbank promotes an open and respectful approach to sexual orientation and gender identity. Exchange formats and panel discussions are designed to encourage dialogue and break down prejudices.
- Zero-tolerance policy on discrimination: Since 2021, an expanded works agreement has comprehensively addressed diversity-related aspects and strengthened protection against discrimination, bullying, sexual harassment, stalking and racism.
Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns
- Sustainable procurement and inclusion: Through binding ESG guidelines within Corporate Procurement, Commerzbank requires its suppliers to adhere to sustainable and inclusive standards for products and services.
- Environmental and energy management: Commerzbank is certified in accordance with the international environmental and energy management standards ISO 14001 and ISO 50001 and pursues objectives such as optimising resource consumption, increasing the use of renewable energy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts
- Long-term climate strategy and net zero targets: Since 2008, Commerzbank has been reducing its greenhouse gas emissions and aims to achieve net zero emissions in its own operations by 2040, as well as net zero emissions in its lending and investment portfolio by 2050.
- Responsible approach to fossil fuels: Commerzbank has established clear policies governing its activities relating to fossil fuels.
- Energy-efficient mobility and buildings: The Bank promotes electric mobility among its employees through tax-advantaged leasing and charging infrastructure powered exclusively by renewable electricity. In addition, its real estate strategy focuses on efficient building management and the use of green energy.
- Integrating sustainability into employee training: Through foundational training and advanced learning programmes, Commerzbank strengthens the ESG expertise of its employees, ensuring that sustainability standards are consistently embedded in day-to-day processes.
Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss
- Commitment to biodiversity: Since 1990, Commerzbank has been offering an environmental internship programme in cooperation with German nature conservation areas. In addition, through its partnership with the Bergwaldprojekt, the Bank has reforested more than one million square metres of public forest since 2018.
Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels
- Zero-tolerance policy on corruption: Commerzbank pursues a clear zero-tolerance approach to corruption and is committed to comprehensive prevention through annual anti-corruption training, risk-based due diligence of business partners and its whistleblowing system. Violations may result in disciplinary, civil or legal consequences.
- Global standards for anti-corruption: Commerzbank’s Global Anti-Bribery and Corruption Policy is based on international standards such as the UN Global Compact, the OECD Convention and FATF recommendations, complemented by further internal policies, to effectively combat corruption, money laundering, terrorist financing and market abuse.
- Ethical conduct through the Code of Conduct: Commerzbank’s global Code of Conduct provides employees with mandatory guidance for ethical and legally compliant behaviour.
- Commitment to human and environmental rights: Since 2019, Commerzbank’s human rights position has formed the basis of its social due diligence. In addition, through compliance with the German Supply Chain Due Diligence Act, the Bank is committed to respecting human rights in its own operations and along its supply chain, including the implementation of remedial measures in the event of violations.
Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development
- Stakeholder engagement and dialogue: Commerzbank maintains an ongoing dialogue with industry representatives, civil society, the capital market, clients and suppliers in order to meet stakeholder expectations and promote sustainable development.
- Promoting diversity and inclusion: Since 2007, Commerzbank has been actively committed to equal opportunities and diversity, for example as a co-founder of the “Charta der Vielfalt”, through its involvement with the “Prout@Work Foundation” supporting LGBTQ+ inclusion, and the “UnternehmensForum” promoting the inclusion of people with disabilities.
- Engagement in international sustainability initiatives: Commerzbank actively participates in initiatives such as UNEP FI, the UN Global Compact, the Women’s Empowerment Principles and the Principles for Responsible Banking, thereby strengthening the role of the financial sector in advancing global sustainability.
- National commitment to climate action: Commerzbank is involved in German initiatives such as the Alliance for Development and Climate and the Sustainable Finance Cluster Germany, and is a signatory to the German financial sector’s climate commitment.
- Exchange of expertise for sustainable development: Through regular participation in events and cross-industry exchange, Commerzbank works to continuously improve its own sustainability performance and to support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.
Non material SDGs
End poverty in all its forms everywhere
- Donations to promote equal opportunities: Between 2025 and 2027, Commerzbank will donate EUR 150,000 annually to charitable organisations (“Children for a better World e.V.” and “Netzwerk Chancen NC gGmbH”) to support disadvantaged children, adolescents and young adults and to improve their opportunities, particularly in the transition to working life.
- Social responsibility through the Commerzbank Foundation: Since 1970, the Commerzbank Foundation has supported projects in the fields of culture, social affairs and academia, building long-term partnerships and awarding national prizes such as ZukunftsGut, ZukunftsWege and ZukunftsWissen to promote cultural engagement, civic commitment and early-career researchers.
End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture
- Social commitment and charitable engagement: Commerzbank is actively committed to society and supports a wide range of charitable initiatives. Among other activities, the Bank participates in donation campaigns – particularly during the Christmas season – for organisations such as the food banks in Germany and the charity brotZeit e.V..
Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages
- Digital health services for employees: Commerzbank offers a wide range of digital formats via dedicated platforms and portals, including webinars, video consultations and self-service tools, to support employee health and well-being.
- Strategic health management: Since 2006, Commerzbank has systematically promoted the mental and physical health of its employees, for example through company sports activities, the provision of health-related knowledge and exercise initiatives. These offerings are complemented by social initiatives such as blood donation campaigns in cooperation with the German Red Cross.
- Flexible working models and family-friendly benefits: Through home office arrangements and flexible working hours, Commerzbank supports a better work–life balance for its employees. In addition, the Bank promotes the reconciliation of work and family life through childcare facilities, holiday childcare programmes, parent-focused events, as well as extended care advisory services and leave options.
Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong opportunities for all
- Education and environmental engagement: Commerzbank supports educational initiatives such as the business@school programme and its environmental internship scheme, through which participants have been gaining insights and developing skills for their future careers in German nature reserves for over 35 years.
- Social responsibility through the Commerzbank Foundation: Since 1970, the Commerzbank Foundation has supported projects in the fields of culture, social affairs and science. It fosters long-term partnerships and awards national prizes such as ZukunfstGut, ZukunftsWege and ZukunftsWissen to promote cultural engagement, charitable initiatives and emerging researchers.
- Donations to promote equal opportunities: Between 2025 and 2027, Commerzbank will donate €150,000 annually to non-profit organisations (Children for a better World e.V. and Netzwerk Chancen NC gGmbH) to support disadvantaged children, adolescents and young adults, enhancing their opportunities—particularly when transitioning into working life.
- Lifelong learning and inclusion: Commerzbank supports its employees through accessible e-learning offerings and a holistic talent management approach, which includes the development of leadership skills and the early promotion of talent from entry level through to first-line management.
- Sustainability training: Employees at Commerzbank receive training as part of a “basic sustainability qualification”, complemented by advanced ESG training for client-facing staff, with the aim of strengthening expertise in sustainability-related topics.
Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all
- ESG-focused growth financing for emerging companies: Commerzbank provides tailored financing solutions for young, innovative companies with advanced sustainable business models that demonstrably contribute a positive impact, for example in areas such as water management.
Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation
- Promotion of science and education: As a founding member of the Stifterverband für die Deutsche Wissenschaft, Commerzbank has been supporting innovation in education, research and science since 1920, guided by the principle that business fosters scientific progress.
Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable
- Cultural engagement in Frankfurt: Commerzbank provides long-term support of €1.5 million to three major cultural institutions in Frankfurt – Oper Frankfurt, Schauspiel Frankfurt and the Alte Oper. In doing so, the bank promotes access to culture, including through low-threshold initiatives such as the Fratopia festival and the “Opera for Children” programme.
- Social responsibility through the Commerzbank Foundation: Since 1970, the Commerzbank Foundation has supported projects in the fields of culture, social affairs and science. It fosters long-term partnerships and awards national prizes such as ZukunftsGut, ZukunftsWege and ZukunftsWissen to promote cultural engagement, charitable initiatives and emerging researchers.
- Investment in sustainable buildings: Commerzbank focuses on energy-efficient construction in new builds and renovations. In 2017, it achieved the highest “Platinum” certification under the LEED standard for resource-efficient existing buildings. Since 2013, the bank has used electricity from 100% renewable sources in Germany.
Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development
- Position on Deep Sea Mining: In addition to land-based mining activities, deep-sea mining is currently emerging as a distinct sector and could impact particularly fragile marine habitats that remain largely unexplored. The potential consequences are not yet fully foreseeable. To mitigate possible negative impacts, Commerzbank does not participate in financing for deep-sea mining projects and does not enter into business relationships with companies that are solely engaged in deep-sea mining for the time being.