In this article we explain how Banco Sabadell Banco Sabadell has incorporated them into its corporate strategy.

Since its inception, Banco Sabadell’s vision has been to foster sustainable business development, giving priority to the environment, social welfare and ethical governance. Since joining the Global Compact in 2005, we have strengthened our policies on human rights, labour, the environment and anti-corruption. In 2019, we formally integrated the SDGs into our commitment by becoming a signatory to the Principles for Responsible Banking, and today we are moving forward with sustainable transition and responsible financing under an ESG framework, Sabadell Sustainable Commitment, with specific objectives that have a positive impact on the company, clients, investors and society.

First strategic axis: Becoming a more sustainable bank 

What do we do?

• Our own CO2 emissions are neutral and we continue to cut down on 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 96% compared with 2019 
• We have reduced our carbon footprint in Spain by 45.6% compared to 2019 and achieved internal CO2 neutrality (Scopes 1, 2 and 3 in Spain, Mexico and the US and Scopes 1 and 2 in the UK) through the implementation of energy efficiency measures, the use of renewable energy and offsetting through 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 with 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 foster solutions for our customers in the areas of renewable energy, energy efficiency and sustainable mobility.(SDGs 7, 9 and 13) 
• Between 2021 and 2025, we have earmarked €65 billion to finance projects that improve environmental sustainability. We have mobilised more than €51 billion, reaching 78% of this target. By 2025, 50% of the vehicles financed by our entity will be ECO-labelled. (SDGs 7, 9 and 13) 
• On the other hand, we have integrated ESG criteria into our business, encouraging and helping our customers to achieve better sustainable performance through 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 contributed more than €17 billion to the issuance of sustainable bonds for our own account and for clients. We have participated in the issuance of more than €12.1 billion worth of sustainable bonds (SDGs 7, 9 and 13). 
• We promote entrepreneurship and increase participation in ESG impact funds, with an 80% sustainable asset offering 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 (estimated to reach 10,000 people by 2025). We have exceeded 9,100 beneficiaries by 2023 thanks to more than 2,300 volunteers (SDGs 8 and 16). 
• We foster culture and talent through the Banco Sabadell Foundation, with 57,000 people participating in talent programmes between 2021 and 2025, reaching more than 41,200 people in 2023 (SDG 8). 

In addition to all these goals, which are priorities for our Group, we are also contributing globally to achieving the SDGs related to Fundamental Human Rights through the development of programmes and initiatives such as Quality Education (SDG 4), No Poverty (SDG 1), Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3), Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8), Gender Equality (SDG 5) and the Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10).