For over a decade, ProCredit Bank has followed a well-defined strategy for sustainable development implemented by all employees. We present to you the key milestones that mark our achievements in the field. We consider ourselves one of the pioneers in applying sustainable and inclusive social practices in our business, and we are not afraid to share the lessons learned.
Environmental
| Period | Sustainable business | Environmental |
| 2006 | First green loans for energy efficiency jointly with the EBRD | |
| 2010-11 | First specialised trainings in the field of environment | Environmental Management Department Environmental management system and Environmental committee |
| 2013 | | |
| 2015-16 | Our first 10 electric cars in Bulgaria ISO 14001 certification | |
| 2017 | ||
| 2018-19 | 15% of the Bank’s loan portfolio are green loans | |
| 2020-21 | Reporting of CO2 emissions from granted loans Requirements for environmental and social practices of our suppliers Trainings on sustainability topics – over 14 hours a year per employee | Overall orientation towards furniture from recycled wood 60% of the Bank’s fleet is electrified |
| 2022-23 | 30% of the Bank’s loan portfolio are green loans | Construction of over 100 charging points for electric vehicles Net-Zero Banking Alliance PCAF Science based targets initiative Carbon neutral in our infrastructure |
| 2024 | 85% of the Bank’s fleet is electrified | |
| 2050 target | Achieving net zero emissions from the Bank’s loan portfolio as well, as a commitment under the Paris Agreement | |
"Responsible banking that contributes to the well-being of our customers, the communities and the environment is at the heart of our approach. We recognise that sustainability is not just a choice, but an obligation for the world we share."
Kameliya Mineva, member of the Management Board and Executive Director of ProCredit Bank Bulgaria
Social:
In an environment of highly digitalized processes for standard banking operations, our employees must be competent consultants for the more specific questions of our customers. Therefore, we invest a lot in their continuous development, and also give every candidate a chance through an equal start with a 6-month introduction programme. We have implemented a transparent recruitment process and a clear system of remuneration and social benefits. We maintain a flat hierarchy in which each manager in the Bank is easily accessible for discussions. We strongly value tolerance, the acceptance of different opinions, and the equality among colleagues. We have a Code of Conduct that serves as a compass in our work and which we discuss together every year as part of regular training on environmental and social topics. To increase expertise, we provide the opportunity to exchange experience in an international environment. See more in our Careers section.
Although we do not have gender equality targets, our key approach to equality and seeking diversity in perspectives has naturally led us to gender equality throughout the Bank’s hierarchy. 60% of the expert positions, 40% of the management positions and 60% of the Management Board positions are occupied by women.
As part of our social impact on society, in our decisions we take into consideration which loans to support. For this purpose, we carry out a comprehensive assessment of the social aspects of all companies we finance. This includes an assessment of the working conditions of the employees, such as light and clean workplaces, available solutions for their safety. And also impact on society – noise, air and other pollution of residential areas near the company’s site.
We believe that training and leading by example are key to increasing good sustainable practices in society, and we actively participate in events where we share solutions and make recommendations for process improvements. Check out some of the educational material in our blog.
To tell the story of the various environmental and social initiatives we have undertaken over the years, we published a Short ESG Newsletter which we shared with our clients and partners.
Governance:
In order to achieve the objectives laid down in the Environmental and Social Environment part, in 2013 we implemented environmental management system based on three main pillars:
Ethical behaviour policies, anti-money laundering and anti-corruption measures, anonymous channels for reporting suspected violations are developed for the open management of the Bank. The Bank has a flat hierarchy and easy access of the employees to the Management Board members.
Due to the fact that our approach of providing services is identical with the other banks in the ProCredit Group, we publish a single Impact Report in which we present various examples from our markets and the results of our work. ProCredit Bank Bulgaria holds 20% of the Group’s loan portfolio, and 11% of the employees in the Group work in it.
Certificates
ISO 14001, United Nations Environment Partnership – Finance Initiative (UNEP FI), Science based targets initiative (SBTi), Partnership for Carbon Accounting Financials (PCAF), Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD), United Nations Global Compact
Are you ready for sustainable investments?
EcoMobility Loan for business clients
EcoMobility Loan for individuals
Loan for purchase of a charging station
Loan for photovoltaic installation for business clients
Loan for photovoltaic installation for individuals
If you have any questions regarding our sustainability policy, please contact us at Sustainability@procreditbank.bg.
Our corporate values form the foundation of our business ethics. The following principles guide the operations of the ProCredit institutions:
- Transparency: We provide transparent information to our customers, to the general public and to our employees. For example, we ensure that customers fully understand the terms of the contracts they conclude with us, and we engage in financial education in order to raise public awareness of the dangers of intransparent financial offers.
- A culture of open communication: We communicate openly, fairly and constructively with each other. We deal with conflicts at work in a professional manner, working together to find solutions.
- Social responsibility and tolerance: We offer our clients sound, well-founded advice. Before offering loans to our clients, we assess their economic and financial situation, their business potential and their repayment capacity in order to avoid over-indebtedness and to provide appropriate financial services. In addition, we are committed to treating all customers and employees with fairness and respect, regardless of their origin, colour, language, gender or religious beliefs. We also ensure that requests for loans are evaluated in terms of the applicant’s compliance with our ethical business practices. No loans are issued to enterprises or individuals if it is suspected that they are making use of unsafe, environmentally harmful or morally objectionable forms of labour, in particular child labour.
- High professional standards: Our employees take personal responsibility for the quality of their work and always strive to grow as professionals.
- Personal integrity and commitment: Complete honesty is required of all employees in the ProCredit group at all times, and any breaches of this principle are swiftly and rigorously dealt with.
These principles represent the backbone of our corporate culture and are actively applied in our day-to-day operations. They are reflected in the ProCredit Code of Conduct, which translates the group’s principles into practical guidelines for our staff.
The ProCredit group is committed to maintaining high ethical and business standards with regard to its economic, social and environmental impact. For additional insight into the impact of the ProCredit group’s operations, please read “Impact Report 2023.”