ESG on Corporate Level

HCOB wants to strengthen the company’s internal awareness of ecological sustainability and implement concrete measures for resource conservation. Being a good corporate citizen is important to HCOB to positively influence its clients by being a role model and setting a good example.

Therefore, protecting resources and the climate is important to Hamburg Commercial Bank, not only with the help of the Bank’s influence in its lending and investment portfolios, but especially in its day-to-day business activities. In order to reach its reduction targets, HCOB is measuring its consumption in regard to energy (electricity, heating, fuel), water, paper and waste and calculates its carbon footprint with the help of the “Verein für Umweltmanagement und Nachhaltigkeit in Finanzinstituten e.V.” (VfU) tool for Banks to record environmental indicators.

To complement its strong commitment towards conserving climate and nature, HCOB is working together with the TÜV Rheinland certified ’Ausgleichsagentur Schleswig-Holstein’ (Schleswig Holstein Compensation Agency), a fully state owned organisation. The Bank has identified moors as a great driver to reduce emissions as well as fostering biodiversity. Even though moors only cover around 3 % of the earth’s surface they capture twice as much carbon as all forests combined. This is why the Bank contributes to the restoration of the ’Königsmoor’ in the Rendsburg-Eckernförde district by purchasing ’MoorFutures’ certificates. HCOB contributes to the former raised moor becoming a living habitat again and is at the same time making a valuable contribution to CO2-equivalent offsetting. With the help of this co-creation, the Bank is able to fully offset its CO2 emissions in Scope 1 and 2 as well as in the previously mentioned part of Scope 3 emissions caused by business flights in a local climate protection project.

More detailed information on HCOB’s carbon footprint can be found in the CSR Report .

Equal treatment has a long tradition at Hamburg Commercial Bank. Members of the Management Board and works councils voluntarily ensured that the issue of equal treatment was permanently established in a works agreement, which still applies at the Bank today. There are two equal opportunities officers, one working full-time and one part-time, who are released from their normal duties and cover the topic of diversity holistically in a joint approach with the HR department. They have been given extensive rights and act independently.

The Bank signed the Diversity Charter, making a strong voluntary commitment to ensure a working environment that is free of prejudice and guarantees equal opportunities for all. Moreover, the ’#networkingwomen’ network organizes the active networking of women. The network holds regular meetings and organises events. The aim is particularly to exchange experiences, provide inspiration and discuss current relevant topics within and outside the business. Additionally, the aim is to ensure the visibility of women in banking and beyond, and to empower individuals through the community.

HCOB believes that the personal integrity of all employees is a crucial component of avoiding risks – contributing to the success of HCOB and to achieving its goals. This principle is anchored in the Bank’s Code of Conduct, which shows how the high standards of Hamburg Commercial Bank’s corporate values are lived up to and is mandatory for each employee.

Additionally, promoting employee awareness of ESG factors through clear and targeted communication is a core issue for HCOB. The Bank aims to create a shared understanding of the company’s approach towards the active management of all three ESG dimensions and to further grow its sustainable culture to promote ESG-aligned decision-making. Furthermore, the Bank supports the personal development of all its employees. To rise to the challenges it faces, HCOB has to continually develop and improve its skills and in a targeted manner. This is why HCOB provides training to all of its employees regardless of their position.

With its benefits, HCOB wants to appreciate the great commitment of its employees. Therefore, HCOB offers a wide range of benefits designed to value the commitment and dedication - above and beyond the monthly salary payment. The aim is to tailor the benefits at the Bank precisely to the needs of its employees. Together with the managers, HCOB evaluates the areas in which it can support its employees and optimise them constantly. It is important to Hamburg Commercial Bank to offer benefits that are tailored to a modern working and living environment and offer its employees a real value. All benefits are provided to all employees, no matter if they are employed part-time or full-time.

As a large employer rooted in northern Germany and being a good corporate citizen, HCOB sees its continuous responsibility in supporting organisations in the context of all three ESG dimensions. A special focus lies on the support of children and young people as well as education. A more detailed overview of supported organisations can be found here .