Sustainability Management at WestLB
Current Topics
WestLB AG Sustainability Report 2011
WestLB latest sustainability report “Sustainability 2011”. supplements the information already provided in the current Annual Report and includes relevant information and ratios on the current status of developments in sustainability management as well as related products and financial services. The report is supplemented by a comprehensive GRI balance sheet and contains the progress report pursuant to the UN Global Compact. The report can be downloaded in German and English from the Internet and Intranet.
WestLB Policy for Business Activities Related to Coal-Fired Power Generation
As a leading bank financing projects in the energy sector, WestLB feels especially committed to pushing ahead the change towards a sustainability-oriented energy supply. This change requires high investments in the energy infrastructure, which must be made within a short period of time and must be aimed at achieving a balance between energy and food security and climate protection. Against this background, WestLB, in 2009, was the first large international bank to develop a “Policy for Business Activities related to Coal-Fired Power Generation” and to define a set of minimum standards. Several major banks followed this approach and defined similar minimum criteria. WestLB is currently in the process of revising its Policy. It is possible, for instance, that in countries where a project is to be financed, the per-capita greenhouse gas emissions are set in relation to the gross domestic product and the state of development. With a view to climate change and the state of development of a country, this would enable a more effective assessment as to which criteria should be applied in which countries and in what cases knock-out criteria should be applied.
WestLB Policy for Environmental and Social Issues
The Policy for Environmental and Social Issues forms the framework for our sustainability activities and has been mandatory for all business units and all new business since 2007. It is based on internationally accepted human and employee rights and environmental standards. In 2010, the Policy was revised in cooperation with the business units and with non-governmental organisations operating in the fields of environmental protection and development and finally approved and adopted by the Managing Board in April 2011. The revision focused on the updating of the underlying standards, the inclusion of a description of reputational management and of strategies for a critical and constructive dialogue with our clients to improve our sustainable business practice.
Existing obligations resulting from its participation in national and international initiatives such as the Equator Principles remain valid. More...
Sustainability Management at a glance
Sustainability Management
For WestLB, sustainability management means minimising ecological and social risks and, through this, seizing economic opportunities and ensuring the Bank's continued growth. At the same time, we want to be a role model and contribute to the economically stable, ecologically responsible and socially fair development of our society. These objectives are integral elements of our corporate strategy. More ...
Since 2004, WestLB has engaged in a constructive dialogue with civil society groups who are willing and ready to jointly shape a sustainable future.The exchange with our stakeholders provides us with valuable feedback on our activities, plans and strategies. More ...
The biggest levers for contributing to sustainable development can be found in WestLB's core business in financing and investments. On the one hand, we use our role as a business partner to influence sectors or individual projects in such a way that adverse impacts on the environment and on society are reduced to a minimum. On the other hand, we are increasingly making inroads into business segments with a strong sustainability orientation. More ...
We expect our employees to actively endorse and support our corporate values. At the same time, we promote the diversity and creativity of our staff by creating an environment in which they can unfold their full potential. More...
Integrity
Clear rules and regulations oblige our employees to act in such a way that all national and international legal and regulatory requirements are fulfilled and WestLB’s ethical principles are supported. More ...
The current climate protection debate clearly shows that the preservation of our natural resources is a key concern for society and economy. Internal environmental protection therefore is a core element of our corporate responsibility. More ...
WestLB AG and its employees are very much a part of society. We regard our active commitment to culture, social affairs, education, science, the environment and sports as an important contribution to the future viability of our society. More…
