Sustainability – ESG
Already since we were founded over 200 years ago, we take responsibility for society and strive for a positive development in our region.
We act for society and our planet
For over 200 years, we have seen it as our social responsibility to provide all people in our region with access to basic financial products. With the challenges of the climate crisis, our commitment is now particularly necessary to create a fairer and more prosperous world for all. As one of the leading banks in Central and Eastern Europe, we are therefore mobilizing financial resources for climate protection and the green transformation. In this way, we are making our contribution to a low-carbon and fairer society.
Diversity is our strength
We believe in the uniqueness of every person. Together, we create prosperity and equal opportunities for our customers, employees and society.
For us, sustainability is the ability to act for society and our planet. Our goal is to operate without depleting natural resources for future generations. The focus is on the terms environment, social (social commitment) and governance (our attitude as a company), in short ESG.
Environment
Responsibility for our environment
Social
Social commitment
Governance
Our corporate citizenship
Our goals
2026
25% of sustainable corporate financing
2027
15% of sustainable retail mortgages
2028
30% members of the underrepresented gender in B-0 positions%5Bbr%5D33% members of the underrepresented gender in B-1 positions
2030
We achieve net-zero operational emissions
We phase out coal financing (with an extension period until 2035 for existing clients in the heat and steam and utilities sector if strict criteria are met such as a credible transition plan)
Provide EUR 1 billion in loans to social banking customers, supporting the creation and preservation of 200,000 jobs.
2050
Net Zero Portfolio
Financing a sustainable economy
Largest wind farm project in Romania in 10 years
Bringing Trucks onto Rails with Vegatrans
Wind power for Romania
Renewable energy for Gösserhalle in Favoriten
Poland's energy transition through wind power
The path to sustainable packaging
CO₂-free heating and cooling for 1020
Out of coal with wind power
Rail as the first choice for freight transport
Policies
The Code of Conduct provides a reference point for our actions and behaviour and serves as a binding set of rules governing the behaviour for our daily business activities.
It describes what is important to us and makes our commitments clear and sets the basis to act as a good corporate citizen. The Code of Conduct shows that we need to act responsibly, respectfully and sustainably in all aspects of our operations.
The Code of Conduct for suppliers ensures that the basic principles and standards of Erste Group are adhered to by all persons and companies with whom we have business relations. Here you can find more information about supplier general documents.
Our goal is to create principles of responsible finance for socially, environmentally and ethically sensitive sectors. As a result, we have created the following policy.
Erste Group's sustainable finance framework reflects the bank's strong commitment to its ecological and social responsibility in society. The framework defines the scope of sustainable project categories with either environmental and/or social aspects for which money on the bond market will be used. An independent Second Party Opinion conducted by ESG rating agency ISS ESG certifies the full alignment with best-practice approaches in the market.
This statement outlines Erste Group’s approach to political engagement. It reaffirms its commitment to party-political neutrality and ensures that all activities and interactions with political stakeholders are conducted with highest integrity, transparency, and in alignment with our values of responsibility and good governance.