SpareBank 1 BV and Sparebanken Telemark merged June 1st, 2021 where SpareBank 1 BV is the acquiring bank. At the same time, the merged bank changed its name to SpareBank 1 Southeast-Norway. The group has 550 employees and 17 local offices in Vestfold-Telemark and formerly Buskerud county. SpareBank 1 Southeast-Norge has 160 years of history as a leading supplier of financial services to individuals, businesses, the public sector and clubs and societies within its region.
The bank has committed to integrate the following UN Sustainable Development Goals in its operations:
8 – Decent work and economic growth
9 – Industry, innovation and infrastructure
11 – Sustainable cities and communities
13 – Climate action
16 – Peace, justice and strong institutions
SpareBank 1 Southeast-Norway is integrating sustainability considerations in their risk assessments, frameworks and guidelines; building staff competence on sustainability issues; integrating sustainability in the bank core credit processes; and implementing sustainability requirements in their procurement process.
SpareBank 1 Southeast-Norway wants to take part in, and contribute to banks’ global effort on sustainability and climate issues. They think it is important that the financial sector worldwide pulls in the same direction regarding this topic. The membership will also push SpareBank1 Southeast-Norway to continuously improve their own sustainability efforts.
SpareBank 1 Southeast-Norway has more than 160 years of experience from taking social responsibility. Since its inception, the bank has contributed to the sustainability of the local communities they serve, through local presence and detailed knowledge of local conditions. This has been, and will continue to be, an essential part of their savings bank philosophy and core values. In recent years, the focus on sustainability has increased significantly. Sustainability is now part of the bank’s core strategy, and they have started integrating it in their DNA. SpareBank 1 Southeast-Norway will consider environmental, social and governance aspects in their daily operations.
The aim is that, in a generation’s time, SpareBank 1 Southeast-Norway will be able to say that the bank has significantly contributed to a green shift in their market area.