Banks are vital economic intermediaries and as such can make significant contributions to society by driving positive change with clients and customers – helping them align their strategies, business models and technologies with the UN SDGs, Paris Agreement, Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, etc.
To showcase member progress under the UN Principles for Responsible Banking (PRB) framework and to highlight good industry practice, the UN Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) is proud to release four new reports from our Banking on Sustainability: From Principles to Practice – Responsible Banking Case Study Series.
The series showcases diverse sustainability examples from PRB signatory banks. At different stages of their responsible banking journey and whilst operating in unique regional, regulatory and commercial contexts, participating banks share how they use the PRB as a catalyst for change. As such, the series provides highly practical implementation support for peer institutions, as well as inspiration to the global banking industry.
Designed to highlight responsible banking strategy and practice, the four new cases expand the series, spotlighting key areas of bank performance such as sustainability innovation, impact, risk and opportunity assessment, as well as action and transition planning.
From green finance and climate initiatives, to identifying nature and biodiversity impacts plus associated stakeholder engagement opportunities, to fostering financial inclusion through climate-ready affordable housing, to prioritizing human rights in sustainability management, the series provides ample and diverse examples to support member banks and prospective PRB signatories with their target-setting, action planning and implementation.
Gain insights into the key success factors, challenges and lessons learned from member banks as they work to embed sustainability in their operations and investments by exploring our feature “Banking on Sustainability: From Principles to Practice – Responsible Banking Case Study Series” here.
Navigating the dynamic intersection where science, regulation, standards and sustainable innovation meet, responsible banks play a critical role as both financial intermediaries and as agents of transformation.
But exactly how do they evidence that commitment – and where, as leading responsible banks, should they set their ambitions for 2030 and beyond?
To be understood in conjunction with our strategy note, Leading the Way to a Sustainable Future – Priorities for a Global Responsible Banking Sector, the UN Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) is pleased to make new guidance available to member banks through our Responsible Banking Blueprint – A roadmap for action on climate, nature and biodiversity, healthy and inclusive economies and human rights.
Developed as a support for banks seeking to deliver impactful outcomes while addressing the most pressing sustainability needs facing financial institutions, policymakers and civil society today, the Blueprint captures the cutting edge of responsible banking ambition in seven key areas – Strategy, Internal processes and policies, Portfolio composition and financial flows, Client engagement, Advocacy and partnerships, Target-setting and implementation via action and transition plans, and Transparency and disclosure. Download Responsible Banking Blueprint – A roadmap for action on climate, nature and biodiversity, healthy and inclusive economies and human rights here.