ENVIRONMENT

As part of the 2024-2026 Sustainable Development Strategy, Optima bank has launched a comprehensive environmental action plan aiming to address climate change and improve waste management. A key aspect of the strategy is the group’s shift towards a circular and energy efficient business model. To this end, the group has implemented a range of initiatives to reduce the carbon footprint of its own operations and limit greenhouse gas emissions to the greatest extent possible. At the same time, through the upgrade of the data center and the use of virtual servers, the IT division supports the reduction of energy consumption and efficiency. A critical innovation in this area is the adoption of HPE GreenLake- an advanced hybrid cloud platform designed to optimize resources across multiple cloud environments, while maintaining control over data and ensuring service flexibility.

Many of the group's operational activities support the reduction of energy consumption and energy efficiency, such as the use of biological detergents, as well as the use of LED lighting and light/motion sensors in specific areas, to control the uptime of lighting, air conditioning and other equipment. Also, regular inspection and evaluation of mechanical equipment is carried out in the central services in order to control and reduce energy consumption without affecting the quality of services to consumers. At the same time, the majority of the bank's fleet (70%) consists of electric and plug-in hybrid company cars and contributes to the reduction of Scope 1 emissions.

As far as the maintenance of electrical appliances is concerned, the group uses environmentally friendly refrigerants for its air conditioning units.

The effort for a successful transition to a more sustainable era is also reflected in the group's financial products. In order to be able to assess the impact of climate change, the group is already in the process of integrating climate and environmental criteria into the credit rating process, while, at the same time, it is in the process of developing a sustainable finance framework to categorize its financings and identify sustainable finance opportunities. In addition, it has already started the process of measuring its financed emissions to identify the most polluting industries it finances and set relevant targets.

At the same time, it finances environmentally friendly projects, such as projects related to renewable energy sources, with 11% of its loan portfolio oriented towards financing projects active in the energy sectors, such as Renewable Energy Sources (RES) and energy-efficient buildings.

The group has implemented a range of initiatives to support a circular economy, by promoting the efficient use of resources, reducing waste, recycling and ensuring adherence to appropriate disposal protocols throughout its operation and value chain. A key example is the bank’s commitment to a "paperless" policy, which includes the exclusive use of digital signatures, electronic document management for accounts and contracts, and the use of recycled materials where a printed form is required. Furthermore, it has replaced all debit cards with environmentally friendly versions made from recycled plastic and doesn’t use any advertising materials, such as brochures and leaflets. It also participates in battery recycling initiatives in collaboration with the company AFIS.

A key initiative in Optima bank’s efforts to support the circular economy is the partnership with Polygreen's "Just Go Zero" program, the first full-fledged circular economy program in Greece. This collaboration led to the implementation of a sorting and recycling system, ensuring the recovery and utilization of materials such as paper, plastic, aluminum, organic waste, coffee residues, and capsules. In parallel, through collaboration with the company Green Fence Metallogenesis S.A., the bank has undertaken systematic recycling of old electronic equipment.

In terms of its investment portfolio, the group supports the financing of waste management and circular economy projects in municipalities and regions across Greece, reinforcing the transition to a more sustainable and circular economy model.

It is also worth noting that the group has established a sustainable development policy that reflects its orientation to reduce carbon footprint through energy-efficient operations, responsible energy sourcing and the adoption of technologies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The policy is fully aligned with internationally recognized frameworks, including the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), while taking into account the interests, views and perspectives of stakeholders in its development and implementation.

To ensure that key environmental challenges are addressed appropriately, the group regularly engages with its main stakeholders to gather their views. These consultations have helped identify climate change, responsible investment, circular economy and waste management as critical areas whose management should be prioritized as part of its strategy.

In addition, Optima bank is a member of the Hellenic Banking Association, a leading institution fostering dialogue and exchange on best practices in sustainable finance. Through this partnership, the bank gains knowledge of industry developments, regulatory requirements and opportunities for collective action that align with the principles of sustainable banking and the circular economy.

Finally, the group has evaluated its real contribution to climate change and the reduction of emissions in its internal operations through the financial solutions it offers to its customers. Total GHG emissions are being recorded and made public to align with the group's climate goals and its sustainability strategy and commitments.