Sustainability has long been more than just a buzzword: Many Austrian companies are already making their entire process and production chains environmentally sustainable. The supply chain is increasingly becoming a focus of attention in this regard. The ESG (environmental, social, and governance) criteria are determining corporate strategies and ushering in a transition, particularly when it comes to financing. UniCredit Bank Austria accompanies businesses on their new, more sustainable path – with assistance for financing, subsidies, and investments.
ESG – the three criteria for more sustainability
What do the three criteria of environmental, social, and governance stand for?
Assessment based on environmental factors such as:
- Investments in renewable energy
- Efficient use of energy and raw materials
- Environmentally sustainable production
- Low emissions into air and water
- etc.
Assessment based on social aspects such as:
- Compliance with labour laws
- High occupational health and safety standards
- Promotion of diversity
- Fair working conditions, appropriate remuneration, and education and training opportunities
- Requiring suppliers to implement sustainability standards
- etc.
Assessment of investments based on type of governance
- Commitment to sustainability management anchored at management board and supervisory board level
- Management board remuneration tied to achievement of sustainability objectives
- Handling of whistleblowing
- Transparent measures for preventing corruption and bribery
- etc.
Our sustainable services and information for companies:
You can find our services and information related to sustainability here.
We are continuously expanding our range of sustainable products and services, especially for small and medium-sized businesses.
The sustainability loan
Sustainable governance pays off: UniCredit Bank Austria supports businesses on their sustainable path with the new sustainability loan. It is specifically intended for medium-sized companies that can demonstrate their sustainability strategy.
Exportinvest Green
Exportinvest Green from the OeKB is a low-cost form of financing for Austrian exporters making investments that reduce harmful effects on the environment and that make a lasting contribution to improving the environment.
Bonds with focus on sustainability
More and more investors are making investment decisions based on sustainability aspects. Structured bonds allow you to invest a specific amount of capital at a fixed term and with a minimum repayment upon maturity. The underlying is based on a variety of sustainability issues.
Social impact banking
Our social impact banking provides support and financing for businesses and organisations that create social utility in a measurable way and help to improve the population’s financial knowledge.
The banking sector is an important multiplier in terms of sustainability because it can create more leverage than any other industry.
Did you know that...?
- we issued the first Green Mortgage Covered Bond in May 2022 in the context of UniCredit's Sustainability Bond Framework?
- we were the first bank in Austria to sign a Climate Action Facility Loan for EUR 92 million with the EIB in August 2022, enabling us to jointly support our customers wanting to invest in renewable energy or in energy efficiency with an overall project portfolio of up to EUR 200 million?
- we played a key role in the financing of Northvolt, Europe’s first and largest factory for the manufacture of lithium-ion batteries for electric cars – which will also produce the most environmentally friendly lithium-ion battery in the world with a minimal CO2 footprint thanks to a 50% recycling rate?
- we financed the expansion of one of the largest wind farms in Austria in Gols on Lake Neusiedl, in collaboration with the European Investment Bank? The wind farm will have an output of 143 megawatts and supply around 90,000 households with renewable electricity.
- we issued the first green bond in Austria for Verbund in 2014?
- we issued the world’s first syndicated loan with binding sustainability criteria for Verbund in 2018?
- we launched Europe’s first promissory note with binding sustainability criteria for Lenzing in 2019?
- UniCredit was involved from the outset when the first green bond was floated on the market? The European Investment Bank issued the first green bond in 2007, and we at UniCredit acted as lead manager.