NRW.BANK has long been dedicated to the responsible use of natural resources, as well as to protecting the climate and environment, while strictly avoiding negative environmental impacts. In its efforts to embed sustainability throughout all business processes and structures, the Bank places particular emphasis on the efficient use of all resources.
A key priority is the strict avoidance of emissions in banking operations. Increasing the use of environmentally friendly and renewable resources helps to minimise unavoidable emissions.
For a more systematic consideration of environmental issues, NRW.BANK has introduced an environmental management system (EMS) in accordance with the Eco Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS). NRW.BANK’s environmental management system is the instrument that supports the Bank in identifying, assessing and managing environmental impacts.
1) Emissions according to the sustainability report for the reporting year. Due to the correction of waste values, the actual emissions from waste disposal may differ slightly.
2) Distinction between direct and indirect emissions:
Direct greenhouse gas emissions originate from sources that are owned or controlled by NRW.BANK itself.
Indirect greenhouse gas emissions result from NRW.BANK's business activities – however, their emission sources are owned or controlled by third parties. In accordance with the Greenhouse Gas Protocol, emissions are divided into three categories according to the degree to which they can be influenced by NRW.BANK:
- Emissions category (Scope 1): all direct emissions.
- Emissions category (Scope 2): all indirect emissions arising, for example, from the generation of electricity, steam or heat energy that NRW.BANK purchases from external sources.
- Emissions category (Scope 3): all other indirect emissions in areas such as logistics/transport, material consumption, supply and disposal. This also includes emissions generated by service and production companies, as well as in their upstream chains.
NRW.BANK buys climate protection certificates to offset the unavoidable emissions from its banking operations. In addition, NRW.BANK annually supports a local reduction initiative in North Rhine-Westphalia (binding of CO2 from the atmosphere).