Due to our nature as a financial institution, the Bank’s capital expenditures (CAPEX) and operating expenses (OPEX), in accordance with the provisions of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2021/2178 of 6 July 2021, are not subject to assessment in terms of eligibility or compliance with the sustainability criteria of the EU Taxonomy (including the application of nature-based solutions, engineering, or dedicated technological solutions). The expenditures and investments incurred in relation to our own operations during the period covered by the ESG Strategy are also financially insignificant from the perspective of the unit’s operations. We apply a prudent approach to avoid misclassification risks, greenwashing, and the inability to directly link expenditures to the implementation of climate policy objectives and directions. Consequently, we do not identify any significant activities in the area of own operations. If we can reliably identify relevant actions and related expenditures, we will disclose the appropriate amounts in subsequent years
In 2024, we maintained strategic initiatives aligned with the Bank’s long-term objectives of reducing negative climate impact and supporting adaptation processes in our locations. The most notable initiatives included:
- Gradual replacement of older lighting systems with energy-efficient LED lighting;
- Energy consumption optimisation (reducing contracted power levels);
- Replacement of uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) with new, more efficient models;
- Decommissioning of unnecessary emergency power connections;
- Installation of energy-efficient air conditioning systems;
- Analyses for the installation of reactive power compensation devices (to eliminate unnecessary energy expenditures);
- Switching electronic devices to standby mode in the evening hours;
- Installation of water pressure reducers or aerators and replacement of household appliances with new, energy-efficient models.
In 2024, we signed a one-year contract for the purchase of electricity, alongside the purchase of guarantees of origin for the entire contracted volume from renewable energy sources. We also received Certificate RGP_ENERGAOB_2024-12-02_10645 for the entire year of 2024, confirming the introduction of 28,000 MWh of electricity generated from wind sources into the grid.
We continue to enhance communication processes by implementing digital solutions where possible (e.g., introducing electronic handover protocols) and aligning with our strategic objectives. In 2024, we also replaced part of our fleet with low-emission (EURO 6) and hybrid vehicles and placed additional orders for delivery in 2025.