ENVIRONMENT

The objective of the initiative is the systematic energy transformation of CrediaBank’s physical branch network, aiming to transition towards a more efficient and environmentally responsible operating model an initiative that aligns with the gradual, integrated renewal of the branches’ network with “New Experience Branches”.The initiative [ZTK1] implements the Bank’s Sustainability Strategy by integrating energy-efficient technologies and utilizing electricity sourced from renewable energy, with the goal of gradually reducing the environmental footprint of its day-to-day operations. Through targeted interventions in lighting, electromechanical equipment, and energy management systems, the initiative substantially contributes to reducing overall energy consumption and limiting indirect greenhouse gas emissions. At the same time, a standardized and scalable model for energy upgrades is being developed, which can be applied horizontally across the entire network, creating a structured mechanism for the continuous improvement of energy performance. The initiative constitutes a core pillar of CrediaBank’s environmental strategy, embedding sustainability at the heart of its operations and strengthening the Bank’s transition towards a more resilient and sustainable business model. Within the broader resource management strategy, CrediaBank has set a target to reduce paper consumption by 30% by 2030 (baseline year 2024), investing systematically in process digitalization and the transition to a more paperless operational model[ZTK2] . This approach transforms the branch network from a passive energy consumer into an active driver for achieving the Bank’s environmental objectives.

The initiative addresses a broad range of stakeholders, creating environmental value across multiple levels of the Bank’s operations while promoting the integration of sustainable practices into daily activities. Firstly, it directly targets CrediaBank’s customers and employees, who interact on a daily basis with an energy-efficient and environmentally responsible branch network. Through this interaction, the initiative enhances environmental awareness and encourages the adoption of more sustainable behaviors within the banking experience. At the same time, the initiative positively impacts the local communities in which the Bank operates, by reducing energy demands and promoting environmentally responsible practices at a local level, contributing to the overall improvement of the environmental footprint of these areas. On a broader level, the initiative actively contributes to environmental protection by systematically reducing the impacts associated with the day-to-day operation of of the “New Experience Branches”branch network, strengthening CrediaBank’s role in addressing climate change.

The initiative is implemented on a continuous and progressive basis, starting in 2025, as part of a long-term energy transformation program for CrediaBank’s branch network. Its implementation follows a gradual and scalable approach, enabling the phased expansion of interventions across the entire network, with the objective of embedding them as an integral component of daily operations. The time horizon of the initiative reflects the ongoing nature of the transformation, ensuring the continuity and evolution of energy interventions, as well as the systematic improvement of energy performance over time