Longstanding commitments to sustainability
Group BNP Paribas’ longstanding commitments to developing finance solutions that are sustainable and supported by rigorous measurement standards, are recognised with awards for:
- "World's Best Bank for Sustainable Finance"
- “World’s Best Bank for ESG Data and Technology”
- “World’s Best Bank for Public Sector Clients”
These awards acknowledge the Group’s ability to help its clients make their transition strategies a reality in a way that also supports their commercial success.
I would like to thank our clients for the trust that is reflected in these awards, and our teams who are committed and engaged at their service. The Group's contribution to responsible and sustainable growth through financing the economy and advising customers in their transformation is recognised here.
Leveraging our expertise with our clients for a responsible transition
As an integrated and diversified bank with local expertise and international reach, BNP Paribas is able accompany all its clients in their sustainable development journey. Combining its corporate and investment banking capabilities with expertise in retail banking, asset management, insurance, consumer credit and real estate, BNP Paribas creates solutions that work across sectors, client groups and strategies.
As a bank that prioritises a scientific, evidence-based transition to support our client’s sustainability transitions, BNP Paribas ensures ESG data is embedded in the DNA of finance, forming the basis of our ESG action plan and propelling us all towards net-zero. From ensuring we use data to align to regulatory requirements and standards whilst managing transition risk, to integrating science-based targets into client financing strategies and forming leading industry partnerships, the bank is at the forefront of tackling the pressing ESG data challenges.
Photo: Antoine Sire, Head of Company Engagement, Group BNP Paribas
Progressive sector policies, innovation, and collaboration towards net-zero
For over 10 years, BNP Paribas has been prioritising the transition to a low-carbon economy via progressive sector policies, product innovation and active participation in coalitions and working groups. The bank has long been recognised as a leader in setting the standards required to achieve net-zero globally and, this year, has further enhanced its policies in response to the developing climate crisis and client needs:
Best practice sector policies
The bank has consistently been tightening its funding criteria for fossil fuel related activities and no longer accepts new customers with a coal-related revenue share of more than 25% and 2020. It has also adopted cut-off dates beyond which its electricity-producing customers will no longer be able to receive financing for coal.
Net Zero Banking Alliance
In April 2021, BNP Paribas became a founding member of the Net-Zero Banking Alliance (NZBA) committing to realigning bank’s lending and investment portfolios with a view to achieving carbon emission neutrality by 2050. This includes an interim commitment to reduce BNP Paribas’ credit exposure to oil and gas exploration-production activities by 10% by 2025.
PACTA & Science Based targets
BNP Paribas together with other large banks developed a common methodology for measuring and aligning loan portfolios with the Paris Agreement. PACTA, covers high emitting GHG sectors including utilities, automakers, oil, gas, and power generation. The bank has also made a commitment to the Science Based Target initiative (SBTi)
