We are convinced that every company can and should make its own individual contribution towards protecting the environment through the economic use of raw materials and by reducing CO2 emissions. When it comes to direct environmental and climate impact, it could be said that the carbon footprint left by banks is relatively small compared with manufacturing companies. However, for BayernLB, sustainably designing its own operations forms the basis for its overall sustainable commitment.

Today, more than two thirds of all Group employees work at locations that have a certified environmental management system. At BayernLB Bank, the proportion is even higher, at over 90 percent. The main areas for action in environmental management are waste, energy consumption, business travel, paper consumption, greenhouse gas emissions and water consumption.

The environmental management system at BayernLB

BayernLB established an operational environment management system more than 20 years ago, which, since 1999, has been validated in accordance with the stringent European EMAS regulation. Since 2011, the environmental management system has also been certified in accordance with the international standard ISO 14001.

We get involved in local and regional structures and make a contribution to environmental protection there as well. We will therefore incorporate our foreign branches into our commitment to environmental protection by 2023, and will also offset their CO2 emissions.

BayernLB provides an annual report of the progress made on environmental management in our environmental statement.

We know: The commitment and motivation of BayernLB’s employees is crucial to how environmentally friendly BayernLB ultimately. We therefore promote environmental awareness among our employees and involve them actively in the environmental measures.

Rail travel is prioritised

Since business travel makes the largest contribution to BayernLB's environmental footprint, reducing travel-related emissions is particularly important. Before they travel, employees are obliged to check the carbon emissions generated by their journey and to consider possible alternatives. This especially applies to travel that is not client-related. In principle, they should take the train for any destination that can be reached by train in less than 3.5 hours.

Sustainable driving with car sharing and electric cars

Employees can register free of charge with car sharing providers whose fleets include electric cars. This allows them to reach destinations that are not easily accessible by train in a climate-friendly way. Guests and visitors to BayernLB can use the “Umwelttaxi München” service to book a hybrid or electric taxi.

Video and telephone conferences instead of travel

The positive experience with flexible working models is having a decisive influence on the sustainable workplace. By implementing a desk-sharing quota, we are boosting the rate of working from home and reducing the time and energy required for the commute. BayernLB is also gradually investing in modern infrastructure for video and telephone conferences.

Sustainable travel to the office

To enable employees to make an eco-friendly journey to work, BayernLB offers its staff discounted job tickets for travel on public transport. A bike station has also been established at the Munich site, with parking spaces for 220 bicycles. The underground car park at BayernLB has charging stations for electric cars, which are available free of charge.

Furthermore, BayernLB will review and implement other measures to improve the carbon footprint of its employees’ transport and/or commute by 2023.

BayernLB as signatory of the UNEP Finance Initiative (environmental protection and banks)

Membership in the Association for Environmental Management in Banks, Savings Banks, and Insurance Companies (“VfU”)

Participation in Environmental Pact of Bavaria

EMAS validation and first environmental declaration

First sustainability rating: BayernLB becomes a sector leader

Commitment to comply with World Bank standards

BayernLB publishes first sustainability report

As one of the first banks to do so, BayernLB works climate-neutrally at its head office in Munich

BayernInvest as signatory of the UN Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI)

“Financing tomorrow’s energy” Group initiative

BayernLB works climate-neutrally at all its sites in Germany

DKB green bond – first German private commercial bank to issue a green bond

LABO social bond – first social bond by a development bank

Partnership with Climate Bonds Initiative: promoting the development of the green bond market

DKB's #geldverbesserer initiative (“Your money can do more”)

BayernLB has a clear strategic focus on sustainability

Joining the Partnership for Carbon Accounting Financials

Signature of UN Global Compact and Principles for Responsible Banking

Publication of new Sustainability Strategy and Guiding Principles for Transformation

BayernLB one of the first banks in Germany to publish Sustainable Lending Framework