- UniCredit strengthens its commitment to sustainability and the preservation of cultural and environmental heritage through a partnership with FAI.
- The collaboration focuses on climate change mitigation, water footprint reduction, and biodiversity protection, supporting Italy's environmental and historical legacy.
UniCredit has entered a partnership with FAI - Fondo per l'Ambiente Italiano, the non-profit foundation established in 1975 based on the model of the National Trust, dedicated to protecting and enhancing Italy's historical, artistic, and landscape heritage.
The partnership is in full alignment with the bank's purpose of empowering communities to progress, and its commitment to sustainability and cultural preservation, and will see UniCredit supporting key FAI initiatives.
Under the partnership, UniCredit will invest in and support the following FAI projects:
- Climate Change: FAI is actively engaged in the fight against climate change and is implementing mitigation and adaptation measures within the properties it takes care of, including the use of renewable energy sources, and the installation of energy-efficient lighting and heating systems. The Foundation will also continue to share its expertise on these topics with both citizens and organisations to foster sustainable best practices and positive environmental habits.
- Water Footprint Reduction: FAI is committed to a 20% reduction in the water footprint of its properties by 2030, compared to 2019 levels. This initiative includes technical improvements as well as the implementation of best practices to foster greater awareness among visitors and the general public about responsible water consumption.
- Biodiversity and Ecosystem Protection: FAI's properties represent a heritage that is not only historical and artistic but also environmental: in many cases they are are parks, gardens, forests, or agricultural lands, or places where natural components are an essential part. These places play an important part in protecting and safeguarding biodiversity. Through research, monitoring, species protection, and educational activities, FAI is concretely committed to building greater awareness of the need to safeguard biodiversity, in line with the United Nations' call to "build a shared future with all species."
This collaboration underscores UniCredit's ability to generate both financial and social value while furthering its environmental sustainability agenda. Through this partnership, the bank is strengthening its role as a key enabler of positive transformation across Europe.
Fiona Melrose, Head of Group Strategy & ESG UniCredit, commented: "Our partnership with FAI is a tangible example of our continued commitment to preserving and enriching our communities - in this case, helping to preserve Italy's cultural and environmental heritage while reinforcing our role in promoting the values of ESG. We are delighted to be working together with FAI and we are excited about the positive impact we can create together."
Davide Usai, General Director, FAI - Italian Environment Fund, explained: "The start of the collaboration with UniCredit represents an important step for FAI: a support that will allow us to strengthen our daily commitment to the protection and sustainable management of our properties, monitor the risks related to climate change, and generate a positive impact in the territory. A synergy of values that unites environmental commitment, social responsibility, and enhancement of cultural heritage, with the common goal of building a more sustainable and conscious future for the next generations."
Milan, 24 July 2025
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