Initiatives to mitigate environmental impacts of products and services, and extent of impact mitigation

Initiatives to mitigate environmental impacts of products and services, and extent of impact mitigation

• Reference Number: EN26
• Related Status: Reported
• GRI Status: Core GRI Indicator

From an external perspective all EIB lending operations undergo strict environmental and social screening.  The EIB is especially very active in combating climate change and acknowledges the important role it plays in climate mitigation though its lending. Climate change risks are taken into account in our investment and borrowing strategies, as well as in the management of EIB facilities.
Please refer to the European Principles for the Environment and to the Environmental and Social Principles, the EIB Statement of Environmental and Social Principles and Standards and the related Handbook.
From an internal perspective the EIB has many initiatives in place to mitigate the impact of the products it uses. For example, employees are always reminded of the role they play in minimising the Bank’s environmental impact and are always encouraged to use resources prudently. In addition to this the Bank also ensured that the new buildings were constructed with the objective of being sustainable. By way of illustration, its new building provides a naturally controlled working environment without the need for traditional air conditioning. The winter gardens are neither heated nor cooled and provide a climatic buffer zone between the heating effects of the glass structure and the office spaces.
Staff are encouraged to control their use of water by not needlessly leaving taps running or spending too long in the showers. In order to save water, toilet cisterns are dual flush and urinals have an automatic flushing mechanism after use. Rainwater is collected for use in watering the gardens. Hot water is provided by using the district heating system from Kirchberg and heat recuperation technology where possible. Water systems are analysed regularly for safety and staff are informed if risks are discovered.
Waste bins: In order to qualify for and retain the Green Label from the Chambre des Métiers and the Environment Ministry, the EIB has had to put in place a series of measures to ensure the recycling of waste where appropriate, the correct disposal of waste and the reduction of consumables such as paper. Separator bins are provided in the offices and kitchenettes and coffee corners.