It has been eight years since the UN launched its  Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It is a set of 17 measures whose global purpose is to achieve equality between people, protect the planet and ensure prosperity without leaving anyone behind. They are included within the “2030 Agenda” and the countries and companies that have so far signed up to them commit to follow them, through a series of established goals. In this article we explain how Banco Sabadell Banco Sabadell has incorporated them into its corporate strategy.

Imagen de la presentación de la estrategia sostenible de Banco Sabadell alineada con los ODS

 

In line with our vision, at Banco Sabadell we continue to guide our activity, organisation and processes, with the aim of making a firm contribution to sustainable development. For this reason, the SDGs are fully integrated into the four axes of Sabadell Sustainable Commitment, our framework for action presented in 2022, which integrates the vision for the future of our environmental, social and governance (ESG) commitments. Although the SDGs were already part of the corporate strategy, with previously signed international agreements, such as the United Nations Principles for Responsible Banking, our institution periodically reviews the SDGs and prioritises those where it has the greatest capacity to influence.

First strategic axis: Becoming a more sustainable bank 

What do we do? 

■ We are neutral in our own CO2 emissions, and we continue to reduce consumption (SDG 7: Affordable and clean energy; and SDG 13: Climate Action) 

In this regard, the following achievements can be highlighted:

  • Our electricity consumption is of renewable origin and we have reduced plastic consumption by 93% compared with 2019 
  • We have reduced our carbon footprint by 64% compared with 2019 and we have achieved neutrality of internal CO2 emissions for Spain and the United Kingdom thanks to the application of energy efficiency measures, the use of renewable energies and offsetting with reforestation projects 
  • We continue to work on other aspects, such as accelerating the transition of our lending and investment portfolio based on commitments such as the Net Zero Banking Alliance (NZBA), which aims to align credit and investment portfolios to decarbonisation paths with the goal of neutrality by 2050 as a deadline. 
  • We have aligned our governance framework to sustainability, with committed suppliers and participation in global partnerships. (SDG 8: Decent work and economic growth, and SDG 16: Peace, justice and strong institutions) 

 

Second strategic axis: Supporting customers in the transition towards a sustainable economy 

What do we do? 

  • We promote solutions for our customers in renewable energy, energy efficiency and sustainable mobility. (SDGs 7, 9 and 13) 
  • We will allocate €65 billion to fund projects that increase environmental sustainability between 2021 and 2025. It is expected that by that year, 50% of the vehicles financed by Banco Sabadell will have the ECO label. (SDGs 7, 9 and 13) 
  • Moreover, we have integrated ESG criteria into our commercial activity, encouraging and helping our customers to also have a better sustainable performance, accompanied by their trusted financial partner.

Third strategic axis: Providing investment opportunities that contribute to sustainability 

What do we do? 

  • We promote investment in renewable energies and sustainable projects with €200 million in investment until 2025 (SDGs 7, 9 and 13) 
  • We contribute with more than €17 billion in the issuance of sustainable customer bonds (SDGs 7, 9 and 13) 
  • We promote entrepreneurship and strengthen participation in ESG impact funds, with an offer of 80% of sustainable assets by 2025 (SDGs 8 and 9) 

 

Fourth strategic axis: Working together for a sustainable and cohesive society 

What do we do? 

  • We collaborate in inclusion, employability and financial education programmes with volunteering (SDGs 8 and 16) 
  • We participate in financial inclusion and education programmes for vulnerable or disadvantaged groups. It is estimated that by 2025 10,000 people will have been helped, thanks to 2,000 volunteers (SDGs 8 and 16) 
  • We promote culture and talent through the Banco Sabadell Foundation with 57,000 people in talent programmes in the period 2021-2025 (SDG 8) 

In addition to all these objectives, which are priorities for our group, we also contribute to other objectives linked to Fundamental Human Rights, through the development of various programmes and initiatives aimed at contributing to quality education (SDG 4), eradicating poverty (SDG 1), Health and Well-being (SDG 3), Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8). Gender Equality (SDG 5) and Reducing Inequalities (SDG 10)