Corporate responsibility

BBVA is aware of the difficulties society faces at times of economic crisis such as the present. From the outset, this Group has been committed to the principles of integrity, transparency and prudence as differentiating elements that set it apart from other banks and as sources of value for the communities where it operates. From the beginning of the crisis, the Bank has implemented a number of programs in this respect. One relevant example is the comprehensive plan to provide solutions to families facing difficulties in paying their debts. The Bank is also actively involved in combating unemployment and continues to work to extend the scope of the “Yo Soy Empleo” (I am Employment) initiative. Since its launch in 2013, BBVA has helped over 2,000 people to find a job.

Other corporate responsibility milestones during the second quarter of 2013 include:

Financial literacy

BBVA continues its commitment to financial literacy. In Panama, through the “Adelante con tu Futuro” (Forward with your Future) program, an initiative has been launched to offer citizens free of charge key strategies for efficiently managing their personal and professional finances. BBVA Chile continues to promote financial literacy in partnership with the Chilean National Youth Institute as part of its responsible business goal.

Responsible banking

Customer-centric approach. The Group has launched a new communication campaign in Spain which shows the importance of a responsible financial activity and the advantages that working with the Bank offers its customers. This campaign consolidates the Bank’s image and commitment as a responsible business committed to the community. BBVA has made the most of the present situation as a unique opportunity to grow through a high-quality service and with products that best meet the needs of its customers. In addition, BBVA has celebrated the fifth edition of “BBVA Open Talent”, a competition for entrepreneurs. It aims to develop new ideas and companies, identify talent and technological innovation that may be applicable to the banking business.

Human resources. In the area of volunteer work, the BBVA Volunteer Office in Spain has joined the European initiative “Give & Gain Day” in order to promote corporate volunteer work as a key tool for investing in the community.

Environment. BBVA has presented its Global Eco-efficiency Plan (GEP) for 2013-2015 in order to set a number of goals aimed at reducing direct environmental impacts and consolidating a management tool that helps minimize the Group’s environmental footprint. Achieving these goals will bring estimated economic savings of around €1.5m a year beginning in 2015. In addition, DNV Business Assurance, a worldwide certification organization, has awarded a prize to BBVA for its progress in the integration of environmental management and energy efficiency into its business strategy.

Community involvement

The BBVA Foundation has presented the “Fronteras del Conocimiento” (Frontiers of Knowledge) awards at an event attended by prominent representatives of the international scientific community, as well as public figures from the world of culture and business in Spain. The awards aim to recognize and foster cultural research and creation of excellence.

The “Territorios Solidarios” (Solidarity Territories) initiative was recognized as one of the “100 Best Ideas of the Year” for bringing corporate social responsibility policies closer to the communities where BBVA operates.

In the area of social entrepreneurship, the scientific committee of the Momentum Project has announced the social entrepreneurship projects selected for the third edition of this program. It has selected those with outstanding growth potential and scalability in the impact of their economic and social activity. The latest Ruta Quetzal BBVA has integrated social entrepreneurship through activities and workshops where the young participants have analyzed the social problems in their environments in order to find solutions to them.

BBVA in the Sustainability Indices

At quarter end, BBVA’s weight in the main international sustainability indices was as follows:

Main sustainability indices in which BBVA participates

		Weighting (%)
	DJSI World	0.53
	DJSI Europe	1.27
	DJSI Eurozone	2.75
	ASPI Eurozone Index	1.38
	Ethibel Sustainability Index Excellence Europe	2.73
	Ethibel Sustainability Index Excellence Global	0.98
	MSCI World ESG Index	0.34
	MSCI World ex USA ESG Index	0.74
	MSCI Europe ESG Index	1.28
	MSCI EAFE ESG Index	0.82
	FTSE4Good Global	0.33
	FTSE4Good Global 100	0.55
	FTSE4Good Europe	0.84
	FTSE4Good Europe 50	1.38