ESG-Positions & Guidelines
Defining Responsibility – Our Positions, Exclusions, and ESG Commitment
How do we take sustainability into account in our core business?
As one of Germany’s leading commercial banks, Commerzbank has an obligation to act responsibly, in both economic and socio-political terms within the scope of its influence. It respects the demands and expectations of its various stakeholders and of society at large and ensures they are factored into company decisions.
Our positions and guidelines at a glance
In light of this responsibility, the Bank is committed to the UN Global Compact and has established sector-specific positions and guidelines concerning environmental and social issues. You can find all positions in our ESG Framework in the chapter “General Finance”. Here, we also describe our exclusionary and assessment criteria.
Commerzbank currently reviews business activities and business relationships that relate to the following topics:
- Deforestation and agricultural commodities
Our deforestation position sets out clear exclusion criteria for companies operating in sectors and regions associated with particularly high deforestation risk.
- Mining
To limit risks in the mining sector, we apply clear exclusion criteria and assess transactions and business relationships in conflict and high-risk areas on a case-by-case basis.
- Energy
In addition to excluding the financing of new nuclear power plants, we subject projects and business relationships related to nuclear and hydropower to a critical case-by-case assessment.
- Fossil Fuels
For the fossil fuels sector, we have defined clear exclusion criteria and requirements for clients and related business activities. Our position ensures a balanced consideration of sustainability and energy security.
- Petrochemistry
The petrochemical sector is under criticism due to significant environmental impacts, particularly from greenhouse gas emissions and plastic waste. We assess business relationships and projects in this sector on a case-by-case basis.
- Defence and surveillance technology
As Commerzbank, we do our part to provide the necessary financing for our security and defence. We do so in accordance with both our internal guidelines as well as legal regulations.
- Ship breaking
For ship breaking transactions, we require that the respective yards are certified in accordance with EU standards or internationally recognized environmental and social standards.
- Textiles
The assessment of business relationships with importers of finished textile, footwear and leather products, as well as cotton traders, is conducted with a particular focus on social and environmental criteria.
- Commerzbank's ESG Framework
With the help of the ESG Framework, we disclose all key building blocks of our sustainability strategy, particularly our climate transition plan. This positions sustainability as a key...
Our Position on Human Rights
Our Position on Human Rights is a key element of our social responsibility in our core business. In it, we commit to respecting human rights and aim to make a contribution to the promotion and protection of these rights within the scope of our influence, for example, in our dealings with employees, suppliers, and clients. We ensure these guidelines are upheld through Reputational Risk Management and Compliance Management.
Supply Chain Due Diligence Act
Commerzbank is aware of its corporate responsibility to respect human and environmental rights. To find out more in the Policy Statement of Commerzbank AG on human rights and environmental due diligence
