Sustainability

DZ BANK

Sustainability

Sustainability Report 2024 in Accordance with ESRS

(CSRD Report)

DZ BANK is publishing the Sustainability Report 2024 for the first time as part of the Annual Financial Statements and Management Report and complies with the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS).

For us at DZ BANK, the focus has never been on the ‘zeitgeist’ when it comes to sustainability and ESG, but rather on how we can best support society and the economy in making the necessary changes.

Cornelius Riese, Chief Executive Officer of DZ BANK

The image shows a person standing on a balcony or terrace holding a laptop. The background features modern high-rise buildings suggesting an urban environment.

Sustainability Report 2024 in Accordance with ESRS (CSRD Report)

Download here

DZ BANK's Materiality Matrix 2024 in Accordance with ESRS

(CSRD Report)

This image is a matrix diagram that classifies various environmental and social factors in terms of their impact and relevance to business. It uses a grid format where two axes—but it seems the original descriptions on axes might not be fully visible:

**Axes Description:**
- **Vertical Axis (Impact on People and the Environment) from Low to High:**
- Indicates the degree of environmental and social impact.

- **Horizontal Axis (Opportunity/Risks & Business Relevance) from Low to High:**
- Represents how relevant these factors are to business opportunities or risks.

The matrix is divided into four quadrants:

1. **Top Left Quadrant (High Impact, Low Business Relevance):**
- "Biodiversity and ecosystems in the portfolio (1)"

2. **Top Right Quadrant (High Impact, High Business Relevance):**
- "Climate change adaptation and mitigation, energy in the portfolio (1, 2, 3)"
- "Working conditions, equal treatment/non-discrimination, and other labor rights"
- "Workers in the value chain in operations (1, 2, 3)"
- "Affected communities in operations"
- "Consumers and end-users in the portfolio (1, 2)"
- "Resource use and circular economy/livingly in operations"
- "Resource use and circular economy in operations"
- Other unspecified elements.

3. **Bottom Left Quadrant (Low Impact, Low Business Relevance):**
- "Climate change adaptation, energy in resource use"
- "Hazardous substances in operations and the portfolio"
- "Marine resources in operations and the portfolio"
- "Resource use and circular economy in operations"
- "Biodiversity and ecosystems in operations"
- "Workers in the value chain in operations"

4. **Bottom Right Quadrant (Low Impact, High Business Relevance):**
- "Climate change mitigation in operations and portfolio"
- "Suppliers and payment practices in operations"
- "Problem mentioned (3)"

**Purpose of the Matrix:** This diagram can be used by organizations to identify areas that need attention based on their environmental impact and significance to business strategy. The items in each quadrant help prioritize where resources should be allocated, considering both internal and external effects. — Material from the (1) impact perspective, (2) risk perspective, (3) opportunity perspective

The image depicts a landscape featuring renewable energy infrastructure.

### Main Elements:

1. **Wind Turbines:**
- The image showcases several wind turbines that harness wind energy to generate electricity.
- These are large vertical structures with three blades, strategically placed in the landscape.

2. **Solar Panels:**
- A vast array of solar panels is visible in the foreground of the image.
- The panels are arranged in long rows to capture solar energy efficiently.

3. **Open Landscape:**
- The scene unfolds over a wide, open expanse of grassland.
- The area might be used for agriculture or simply reserved for renewable energy facilities.

4. **Sunlight:**
- The sun is shining brightly, contributing to the effectiveness of the solar panels.
- There is a sunbeam or lens flare effect, indicating a clear sky typical for locations optimizing solar energy.

5. **Environmental Harmony:**
- The image portrays a balance of technology and nature, emphasizing sustainable energy solutions.

Overall, this image showcases a harmonious setting for renewable energy production, utilizing both wind and solar power in a serene, open landscape.

DZ BANK Framework for Sustainable Products

The framework describes the sustainable products offered by DZ BANK and provides a uniform framework for all relevant business activities in the context of sustainable products.

Our Sustainability Values

The image shows a group of people engaged in a discussion or meeting in an indoor setting, possibly an office environment. The style of clothing suggests a business meeting scenario with formal attire such as suits and blazers. One person appears to be making a point or contributing actively to the conversation.

Strategy

At DZ BANK, sustainability is firmly anchored in our corporate values and strategy. We are integrating the Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement into our core business and finance.

The image depicts a serene and scenic landscape, characterized by a combination of natural elements:

1. **Forest Area:**
- Extensive coverage of lush green vegetation, likely composed of dense forest stretching across the image.
- Diversity of tree species and plant life visible due to variation in green hues.

2. **Water Body:**
- Presence of a calm and reflective water body, possibly a lake or a river, meandering through the forest.
- The water surface appears smooth, reflecting the surrounding trees and sky.

3. **Sky:**
- Clear, expansive sky with subtle shades ranging from light blue to soft orange, indicating a time either close to sunrise or sunset.
- Gentle, diffused sunlight illuminating the scene.

4. **Topography:**
- Gentle rolling hills or undulating landscape covered with forest.
- Provides a sense of depth and dimension to the scene.

5. **Overall Atmosphere:**
- tranquil and peaceful environment, typical of a remote natural landscape.
- Likely a place suited for relaxation, exploration, or nature related activities.

This image is a vivid representation of the beauty and tranquility found in untouched natural landscapes.

Environment

DZ BANK is working towards a climate-neutral future and supporting its customers by providing financing solutions that incorporate sustainability aspects.