Our approach to sustainability
Our strategy
We are determined to become a sustainable bank
We want to improve and develop our primary business to motivate and support our clients in their efforts to do, live and act responsibly and sustainably, so that together we can transform the Slovak economy. We want to change and improve internally.
We draw on the experience of our parent group Intesa Sanpaolo , which is one of the leading banks in Europe in the ESG area.
Our commitment to promoting sustainable development is written in our DNA. We form a team of people that has been publicly committing to its Green Manifesto since 2021. We were one of the first banks to set out in this direction.
We are developing in every area:
These three areas are the pillars of sustainable, ethical and responsible business, also known as ESG (environment, social, governance). Our success in the market is based on long-term sustainability in all three areas.
We consistently meet our challenges and commitment
Starting from ourselves
We work on our own environmental footprint, which we leave by operating our buildings and offices, using our vehicles, and purchasing materials, goods and services from our suppliers.
Improving working conditions
We also bring a better perspective in terms of a better and healthier working environment for our colleagues.
We support the transformation to sustainability
We stand with the companies and local governments that are driving the green transformation.
We don't just look at finances
We are an increasingly strong partner for clients who care about more than just the value of their finances.
We stand behind the experts
We have a long-standing commitment to supporting professional non-profit initiatives that work tirelessly to mitigate the effects of both climate change and deepening social inequality.
Helping
We make non-repayable investments in the environment and society around us. We join forces, redistribute grants and help those who are less fortunate. We value those who have the potential to pull others to good.
Our goals for the future
We are on the road to carbon neutrality. We are taking action to increasingly reduce our CO2 emissions and the burden on natural resources. In our operations, we are focusing on saving energy, materials, thinking about waste minimisation solutions and energy-saving smart technologies. We give preference to suppliers who behave sustainably.
Our financial products and Services
We incorporate our commitment to sustainability into our banking product and service offerings.
We stand on the side of companies that have taken a proactive stance to protect the environment. From the largest to the sole traders. With our solutions we help them facilitate the transformation of their business and management.
We bring VUB TERRA's unique ESG products to companies and municipalities.
We fund projects for farmers, including climate change adaptation activities.
We support individuals and fund them to build a more sustainable household. Our products also take into account life situations and social statuses. We also enable them to capitalise on their savings through ESG funds.
Our activities
Our employees are the main driving force behind our activities, the source of new ideas and innovations, and the beating heart that steers the direction of our initiatives. Our VUB Foundation and its projects, grants and prizes are an important tool for their implementation. Our partner organisations provide us with an indispensable function of representing both the professional and the general public, and bring us news and experience directly from practice.
1. Our employees
Our employees are our greatest asset and source of energy for the entire ESG efforts. Through their personal commitment, we give our efforts to sustainability make real sense. We encourage volunteerism, engage in activities to help the planet and people in need. At the same time, we create a welcoming and inspiring work environment where everyone can develop and contribute to a common goal.
2. Our VUB Foundation
The VUB Foundation is the main pillar of our social commitment. For the past 20 years of its existence, we have redistributed to non-profit to non-profit organisations more than 14 and a half million euros. In total, we have supported more than 1,600 worthwhile projects and initiatives that move the lives of specific people forward, nature conservation, the development of education and the arts or the preservation of cultural heritage.
3. Our partnerships for sustainability
Support for ESG topics should have the greatest possible impact and therefore as a bank we partner with exceptional initiatives and shared values.In doing so, we create space for useful topics and inspiring stories to be heard and seen more.
Buildings and construction
Agro and food
Social
Financial education
Slovak Banking Association
Slovak Agency
ZMOS and others
Our awards
It is a great honour for us that we are the only Slovak bank to have won the prestigious Sustainable Finance Awards of the renowned American magazine Global Finance for the third time.
We want to contribute to compliance with the law. We set the highest bar. Codes of ethics and inclusion are important to us. Because only in this way will we contribute to long-term relationships with clients, employees and partners that are built on both results and trust.
