BNP Paribas in Switzerland: a 360° vision for sustainable development

Driven by strong ethical beliefs, values of integration, of commitment and of environmental protection, BNP Paribas (Suisse) SA commits (alongside its various stakeholders) and contributes to sustainable development and responsible economic growth. Directly in line with the Group’s strategy, the Corporate Social Responsibility policy of the Bank in Switzerland is centred on economic, social, civil and environmental challenges. All these actions reinforce its positive impact and its contribution to a better future.   As a major banking institution present in 73 countries, the BNP Paribas Group has the human, technological and financial resources to push boundaries. Social and environmental challenges are more pressing than ever and require the collective and joint action of all members of society, which is why BNP Paribas is committed to contributing towards sustainable and equitable development.

Company Engagement: a development strategy for the Bank

Thanks to a long-standing Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategy, BNP Paribas works in Switzerland to continually reinforce its positive impact on the economy, the environment and society. Through numerous initiatives, we wish to implement in-depth transformation of our company actions, our business models and our contribution to current societal issues, in order to build, together with our customers and our employees, the bank of tomorrow. Compelled by a desire to positively influence all of our stakeholders, to contribute to responsible growth and to be a privileged and enduring partner to our customers, BNP Paribas in Switzerland’s is rolling out four strategic commitments.

An economic commitment

For almost ten years now, our financing and investment activities have been driven by a strict management approach to environmental & social risks and governance. The most sensitive areas of activity such as tobacco, agriculture, unconventional hydrocarbons, coal-based electricity, defence or mineral extraction are, as such, subject to sectoral policies that are strict, public and prepared in consultation with independent experts. Each business-line is, in addition, currently strengthening its product offer and banking services intended to support customers and partners in their contribution to sustainable and responsible development.

A commitment to our employees

For its employees, the Bank pays particular attention to well-being at work, to diversity and inclusion, as well as to the personal development of each individual. In Switzerland, we support those who make a voluntary commitment to organisations and other local or international institutions. In view of this, in 2017, the Bank offered 980 hours to employees carrying out voluntary work on a local or international scale.

A societal commitment

BNP Paribas is committed to societal issues. As a banker, an employer or a sponsor, we multiply the levers and initiatives in favour of fighting against social exclusion and promoting Human Rights, education and culture. The BNP Paribas Swiss Foundation is committed to making the riches found in Helvetian museums better known, to encouraging young artists, to supporting projects in favour of education or social inclusion and also to undertaking research in, and fighting against, climate change.

An environmental commitment

In view of this commitment to protect the environment, the Group has in fact, since 2017, become “carbon neutral” over its operational scope. With ambitious environmental objectives, BNP Paribas in Switzerland has already reduced its CO² emissions by more than 32% in comparison to 2013. In 2017, we also became one of the main partners of the Solar Impulse Foundation, to support the promotion and large scale deployment of innovative projects that aim to accelerate the energy transition.

A week dedicated to Company Engagement in October!

For the first time ever, a week dedicated to the challenges of Company Engagement is being organised in Geneva from 19th to 23rd October 2018. This important event will provide an opportunity for employees and the Bank’s key external stakeholders to learn more about Group strategy, business-line initiatives and locally developed projects in order to work together towards a better future. Further information will be provided very soon!