For over a decade, ProCredit Bank has followed a well-defined strategy for sustainable development implemented by all employees. We present to you the key milestones that mark our achievements in the field. We consider ourselves one of the pioneers in applying sustainable and inclusive social practices in our business, and we are not afraid to share the lessons learned.
ESG & Sustainability
Environmental
These are the key moments that made our success possible.
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2006
- First green loans for energy efficiency jointly with the EBRD
- Exclusion list of activities and Code of Conduct
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2010-11
- First specialised trainings in the field of environment
- Environmental Management Department. Environmental management system and Environmental committee
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2015-16
- Specialised loan for purchase of an electric vehicle
- Our first 10 electric cars in Bulgaria
- ISO 14001 certification
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2018-19
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2020-21
- Reporting of CO2 emissions from granted loans
- Requirements for environmental and social practices of our suppliers
- Trainings on sustainability topics – over 14 hours a year per employee
- Certification for a carbon neutral building – EDGE Zero
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2022-23
- 30% of the Bank’s loan portfolio are green loans
- Construction of over 100 charging points for electric vehicles in Bulgaria and Greece
- We became a member of Net-Zero Banking Alliance and Science based targets initiative
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2024
- We have created a CO2 calculator that businesses can use to calculate their emissions for free. The site also provides a report that companies can give to their larger contractors who already do mandatory reporting of their CO2 emissions from working with suppliers.
- 85% of the Bank’s fleet is electrified
- The bank has received 7 ESG performance awards over the last two years
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2025
Achieving net zero emissions from the Bank’s loan portfolio as well, as a commitment under the Paris Agreement
„Responsible banking that contributes to the well-being of our customers, the communities and the environment is at the heart of our approach. We recognise that sustainability is not just a choice, but an obligation for the world we share. “
Social environment
In an environment of highly digitalized processes for standard banking operations, our employees must be competent consultants for the more specific questions of our customers. Therefore, we invest a lot in their continuous development, and also give every candidate a chance through an equal start with a 6-month introduction programme. We have implemented a transparent recruitment process and a clear system of remuneration and social benefits. We maintain a flat hierarchy in which each manager in the Bank is easily accessible for discussions. We strongly value tolerance, the acceptance of different opinions, and the equality among colleagues. We have a Code of Conduct that serves as a compass in our work and which we discuss together every year as part of regular training on environmental and social topics. To increase expertise, we provide the opportunity to exchange experience in an international environment. See more in our Careers section.
Although we do not have gender equality targets, our key approach to equality and seeking diversity in perspectives has naturally led us to gender equality throughout the Bank’s hierarchy. 60% of the expert positions, 40% of the management positions and 60% of the Management Board positions are occupied by women.
As part of our social impact on society, in our decisions we take into consideration which loans to support. For this purpose, we carry out a comprehensive assessment of the social aspects of all companies we finance. This includes an assessment of the working conditions of the employees, such as light and clean workplaces, available solutions for their safety. And also impact on society – noise, air and other pollution of residential areas near the company’s site.
We believe that training and leading by example are key to increasing good sustainable practices in society, and we actively participate in events where we share solutions and make recommendations for process improvements. Check out some of the educational material in our blog.
To tell the story of the various environmental and social initiatives we have undertaken over the years, we published a Short ESG Newsletter which we shared with our clients and partners.
Governance
In order to achieve the objectives laid down in the Environmental and Social Environment part, in 2013 we implemented environmental management system based on three main pillars:
EMS
Ethical behaviour policies, anti-money laundering and anti-corruption measures, anonymous channels for reporting suspected violations are developed for the open management of the Bank. The Bank has a flat hierarchy and easy access of the employees to the Management Board members.
Due to the fact that our approach of providing services is identical with the other banks in the ProCredit Group, we publish a common ProCredit Group Impact Report in which we present various examples from the markets where we operate and the results of our work. ProCredit Bank Bulgaria holds 20% of the Group’s loan portfolio, and 11% of the employees in the Group work in it. In 2024 we publish the first ProCredit Bank Bulgaria Impact report, sharing specific achievements in Bulgaria and Greece.
Are you ready for sustainable investments?
If you have questions about our sustainability policy, contact us at Sustainability@procreditbank.bg
