Environmental and Social Practices Handbook

The present EIB "Environmental and Social Practices Handbook" describes the internal processes and practices of the Bank, particularly the work carried out by its Projects Directorate (PJ), to ensure that all financing activities are consistent with its environmental policy. The Handbook is targeted at PJ, but it is also aimed at other internal services, to help with their own work and for the better understanding of the requirements of the Bank. The Handbook refers to the variety of financing instruments deployed by the Bank and its role at various stages in the project cycle, though the focus is on the appraisal of "investment loans.

The EIB environmental policy is subject to periodic review, revision and approval by the Bank's Governing Bodies. The Handbook and its accompanying Annexes are "live" documents that undergo continuous improvement with the evolution of knowledge and experience, as well as changes in policy.