The BBVA business model, based on adjusting return to principles, means the Bank has an outstanding capacity to generate sustainable value for its stakeholders over time. The Group continues to implement initiatives inspired by the core principles of the Strategic CR Plan, which are outlined later in this report.
In the field of business information and reporting to stakeholders, Lundquist Consulting has placed the Group as the best Spanish company in online CR communication and the eighth best in Europe, on the basis of its contents, user experience and continued commitment. The “bancaparatodos” website, the “BBVA Suma” digital donations platform and the integrated reporting model used by the Bank have been the most highly valued aspects.
The CR milestones for the final quarter of 2012 were as follows:
Financial Inclusion
Banco de Ahorro y Crédito ADOPEM and the BBVA Microfinance Foundation have signed a strategic alliance to work together toward promoting the economic and social development of underprivileged people in the Dominican Republic. This alliance will enable the two companies to combine their experience, management and technology with the aim of extending the accessibility and quality of financial services, serving more people with more and better products adapted to their needs.
The work of the BBVA Microfinance Foundation has been acknowledged by the Principles for Social Investment Secretariat and the Global Compact of the United Nations. The Foundation received the Social Investment Pioneers award in the Social Business category, on the strength of its contribution to the development of the communities in which it operates.
Financial Literacy
BBVA has launched a new edition of its “Valores de futuro” (Future values) campaign for the 2012-2013 academic year. This program is designed for elementary school children and those in the first three years of ESO (following elementary school) in Spain and Portugal. The goal is to address the use of money within the educational curriculum and to foster values such as prudence, responsibility and solidarity.
Responsible Banking
Environment. Campus La Moraleja, which is the BBVA Group’s training center in Madrid, has been awarded the LEED Gold certification, the most prestigious standard for sustainable construction worldwide. BBVA, which launched its Global Eco-efficiency plan in 2008, continues to develop initiatives for the optimization of natural resources and maintains its commitment to sustainable development.
Human Resources. BBVA Colombia organized a huge “First BBVA Volunteers Day”. A variety of community support and environmental care activities were carried out in several parts of the country.
Community Involvement
In the field of social entrepreneurship, the Momentum Project 2012 organized the Social Investment Day. During the event, social entrepreneurs presented their development plans with the aim of seeking finance for continued growth. As in last year’s event, BBVA provided an investment vehicle to finance the most promising projects through long-term loans (8 years) with special terms and discounted rates. The Momentum Project was also held for the first time in Mexico.
The Teacher Action Prize awards were granted again in 2012. This is an initiative organized by the Foundation of Aid against Drug Addiction (FAD), the Spanish National Commission for Cooperation with UNESCO, and BBVA. The aim of the initiative is to provide information to society about relevant experiences and educational projects promoted and developed by teachers at educational centers in Spain.
BBVA in the Sustainability Indices
BBVA has a prominent position in the main sustainability indices at international level. The weightings as of December 31, 2012 were as follows:
