DKB Sustainability Strategy: ESG in action

Our financing activities are a key lever: we are addressing the decarbonisation of carbon-relevant portfolios and giving greater consideration to biodiversity in our financing and management approaches. For the carbon-intensive energy (power generation) and real estate sectors, we have developed strategic guidelines that provide the framework for our portfolio decisions in these areas. We assess further relevant areas using internal monitoring metrics. Biodiversity is also becoming an increasing focus. We are examining biodiversity-related impacts and dependencies and working to integrate appropriate criteria more extensively into our financing and management approaches on a step-by-step basis.

Transformation does not just mean new requirements and risks. It also changes investment needs and can open up new business opportunities. For this reason, our strategic approach includes understanding the challenges facing our clients and assessing where we can support them with sector expertise and suitable financing solutions.

Good decisions require good data. As a consequence, we are continuing to develop our ESG data base and working to consolidate information more consistently, improve its quality and further automate processes. This does more than support our ability to meet regulatory reporting requirements. Available and reliable data also provide the basis for analyses, risk assessments and strategic decisions.

For us, ESG encompasses more than climate, data and regulation. Human rights, equality, diversity and social engagement are equally integral to our values and are enshrined in our Diversity Strategy and our Policy Statement on Human Rights. The principles and responsibilities set out in these documents help us take these issues into account in our organisation and our business activities.