THE GROUPE BPCE CLIMATE REPORT OCTOBER 2021

4 - Setting an example by reducing itsdirect environmental footprint by15% by 2024

Structuring of a first low-carbon aluminum financing platform

Natixis is committed to extending the scope of sustainable finance to all financing instruments, including trading activities. Thus, Natixis supported Trafigura in the design and structuring of a first ‘Low-Carbon Aluminum’ type financing platform of up to $500 million. This platform was designed to meet the growing demand from downstream manufacturers for low-carbon aluminum and to help upstream producers accelerate their transition to low-carbon technologies. The environmental transition of many industries will largely rely on the creation of a lowcarbon aluminum value chain from extraction to end-use. This financing is the first step in this process, notably by mobilizing the key players in this value chain.

Groupe BPCE aims to reduce its own carbon footprint by 15% within three years.

 

4 - Setting an example by reducing its direct environmental footprint by 15% by 2024

For its new 2021-2024 strategic plan, Groupe BPCE has set itself the target of reducing its carbon footprint by 15% within three years (compared with the 2019 benchmark). This determination to reduce emissions linked to the inhouse activities of Groupe BPCE’s businesses already formed part of the objectives of the previous strategic plan (TEC 2020), especially since all the Group’s entities have been carrying out their own carbon audits since 2013.

Regular analysis of the Group’s carbon footprint over time has made it possible to identify the highest greenhouse gas emitting areas and activities:

  • Fixed assets (real estate and IT),
  • Procurement,
  • Energy,
  • Employee travel.

The BPCE 2024 strategic plan therefore contains a proactive plan of action based on these four areas:

  • A reduction of the carbon footprint of Group premises (via energy renovation work, the widespread use of automation in offices and bank branches, and the reduction of floor space occupied),
  • A more responsible digital environment thanks to using development techniques leading to more economical applications, extending the useful life of equipment, improving the energy efficiency of data centers, and raising the awareness of all Group employees about eco-responsible actions,
  • Mobility, with a reduction in employee travel (notably home-to-work travel) thanks to the development of telecommuting (including after the end of the Covid health crisis) and the transformation of the vehicle fleet,
  • Even more eco-responsible procurement activities with the systematic inclusion of CSR criteria, including carbon footprint considerations, in all specifications governing supplier selection procedures.

In order to monitor the correct implementation of the steps taken so far, and the achievement of the specific objectives it has set itself, Groupe BPCE uses a dedicated tool to review its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions based on a methodology compatible with that used by the Ademe (the French environment and energy management agency), ISO 14064, and the Greenhouse Gas Protocol. Details about the Group’s carbon footprint are provided in Chapter 4.