UniCredit has recently joined the Principles for Responsible Investment’s (PRI) Real Estate Advisory Committee to help accelerate the sustainable transition of the real estate sector in line with the Group’s ESG commitments and targets for own buildings.

2:00 min

The PRI is the world’s leading advocate of responsible investment. It aims to understand the investment implications of environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors and to support its international network of signatories in incorporating these factors into their investment and ownership decisions. It is a truly independent organisation, encouraging investors to use responsible investment to enhance returns and better manage risks, without operating for its own profit.

The PRI has recently launched a Real Estate Advisory Committee to boost the design, adoption and implementation of ESG strategies in the real estate sector globally with UniCredit as one of only two European banks as a representative member. The topics included in the group’s workplan will cover valuing climate risk in equity and debt pricing, managing ESG reporting and data requirements, and improving social impact through asset allocation and management.

UniCredit’s participation is in line with the Group’s sustainable approach to doing business that not only positively impacts our people but that also has a tangible impact on the world around us. Our ongoing Group Real Estate initiatives focus on reducing our environmental impact and CO2 footprint to build a greener tomorrow. The Group has already achieved a 60% reduction of greenhouse gas emissions since 2008 and is committed to a net zero target on own emissions by 2030. Furthermore, 79% of our energy consumption already comes from renewable sources and we are using green energy procurement and specific energy management systems to help us constantly improve and become more sustainable.

By the end of 2022 we will also remove all single-use plastic items from our premises and continue to actively promote and educate our employees on waste management, reinforcing our sustainable corporate culture, further embedding our commitment to sustainability in our day to day working lives.

 

Lastly, we are encouraging sustainable mobility and commuting choices to reduce the related CO2 emissions. In 2021, bike stations were implemented in our main buildings in Bulgaria, Russia and Italy and recharging stations for electric vehicles were installed in Italy, Austria and Germany.

 

We continue to work together to reduce our environmental impact and create a better, more sustainable society. Our role in the PRI’s Real Estate Advisory Committee will provide further valuable insights and initiatives on this journey for our people, our clients and our communities.