BBVA believes in a different approach to banking based on principles-adjusted return. This commitment to set BBVA apart, combined with its brand vision “working for a better future for people”, has led to the definition of a “Responsible Business Plan” with three strategic priorities: transparent, clear and responsible (TCR) communication; education; and products with a high social impact, developed through social programs and support initiatives for different groups.
In the first quarter of 2014 BBVA was recognized as the best company in the world in online communication of corporate responsibility (CR) and sustainability through its social media channels and profiles. This recognition by the consultancy firm Sustainly, which promotes the Social Media Sustainability Index, particularly highlights BBVA’s social media community and its interest in creating projects, campaigns and services for meeting the needs of society in general based on its profiles on the social media. Two projects in particular stand out: the response to the typhoon disaster in the Philippines through “BBVA Suma” and the “Yo Soy Empleo” (I am Employment) program. Other highlights in the quarter are summarized below:
TCR Communication
BBVA’s Responsible Business Committee has approved a methodology to implement the TCR Communication project at global level, analyzing the resources needed and its scope and implementation dates. Progress has been made with the information contained in the product leaflets in Spain and Mexico, which will be available for customers in 2014.
Education
A number of initiatives have been carried out in the area of education. More information on these can be found in the chapter on business areas and on the website www.bancaparatodos.com.
Products with a high social impact
With respect to products with a high social impact, the highlights are: the “Beyond Banking 2013” award granted to BBVA Bancomer; the “Efecto Móvil” (Mobile Effect) program in Peru and the “Congelada BBVA” credit card in Colombia; the good evolution of the initiative “Yo soy empleo (I am employment)” in Spain; and BBVA has joined as founding partner the two European Commission initiatives designed to boost innovation and leadership in the digital economy in Europe (more detailed information is available in the chapter on business areas and on www.bancaparatodos.com).
Other lines
Eco-efficiency
On March 29, 2014, the BBVA Group took part in the global “Earth Hour” campaign, switching off the lights of 554 buildings (127 corporate buildings and 427 branches) in 211 cities in 10 countries from America to Europe. This initiative is promoted by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), one of the most important nature conservation organizations in the world. It has become the biggest global event for the defense of nature.
“Ciudad BBVA” (BBVA City) in Madrid has received the ISO 14001 environmental certification, which recognizes the commitment to sustainability of the new corporate headquarters. They are designed to achieve the lowest possible environmental impact, with a reduction of consumption of natural resources and control of waste, dumping and carbon emissions.
ESG Risks
BBVA has granted loans totaling 150 million dollars to the subsidiaries of Enel Green Power (EGP) in Chile and Mexico to support renewable energy activity in Latin America. These loans have a maturity of five years and have been backed by their Italian parent company with two guarantees of 180 million dollars in favor of BBVA.
Science and culture
The BBVA Foundation, together with the Spanish Ministry of Education, Culture and Sports, have granted the 29th “Premios Francisco Giner de los Ríos a la Mejora de la Calidad Educativa” (Francisco Giner de los Ríos Awards for Educational Quality). These awards recognize the work of teachers who innovate in the area of teaching methodology. There are eight categories in all, covering the different educational levels, with total prize money of 129,000 euros.
BBVA in the Sustainability Indices
BBVA has a prominent position in the main sustainability indices at international level. The weightings as of March 31, 2014 were as follows:
Main sustainability indices in which BBVA participates
|
|
|
Weighting (%) |
|---|---|---|
|
DJSI World | 0.70 |
| DJSI Europe | 1.50 | |
| DJSI Eurozone | 3.00 | |
|
MSCI World ESG Index | 0.46 |
| MSCI World ex USA ESG Index | 0.99 | |
| MSCI Europe ESG Index | 1.66 | |
| MSCI EAFE ESG Index | 1.10 | |
|
FTSE4Good Global | 0.42 |
| FTSE4Good Global 100 | 0.71 | |
| FTSE4Good Europe | 1.01 | |
| FTSE4Good Europe 50 | 1.73 | |
|
Euronext-Vigeo Europe 120 | 0.79 |
| Euronext-Vigeo Eurozone 120 | 0.82 | |
|
STOXX Global ESG Environmental Leaders | 0.50 |
| STOXX Global ESG Social Leaders | 0.49 | |
| EURO STOXX ESG Leaders 50 | 1.90 | |
| STOXX Europe ESG Leaders 50 | 1.91 | |
| STOXX Global ESG Leaders | 0.33 |
Further information and contact details are available at www.bancaparatodos.com
