river in the green rain forrest

    Sustainability Guideline of KfW IPEX-Bank

    As early as in 2000, we introduced an ambitious environmental and social guideline that applies to all financing products that we offer. This guideline has since been adapted several times to current developments in the international discussion on Corporate Social Responsibility and is kept up to date.

    Our Sustainability Guidelines at a glance

    Sustainability Guideline of KfW IPEX-Bank 2020

    Sustainability Guideline of KfW IPEX-Bank 2015

    Policy Statement on Human Rights of KfW (PDF, 279 KB, non-accessible)

    Sustainable financing at KfW IPEX-Bank

    Together, we are shaping a sustainable future – for people, the environment and society alike.

    At KfW IPEX-Bank, taking environmental and social aspects into account in our financing decisions is of huge importance to us. KfW IPEX-Bank only grants financing if the high standards of our sustainability guidelines are complied with – if necessary with additional requirements.

    Our Sustainability Guideline is based on internationally recognised environmental and social standards, in particular the Equator Principles, the IFC Performance Standards, the EHS Guidelines and the World Bank Group's Safeguard Policies.

    Our Sustainability Guideline also has the following aims:

    • Early consideration: We want to encourage suppliers, project sponsors, borrowers and other parties involved to consider environmental and social aspects in the earliest planning phases of financing projects.
    • Create awareness: Through the required studies we foster a better understanding of the significance of environmental and social risks. We want the advantages of implementing protective measures early and promoting transparency to be more effectively integrated into the planning stages.
    • Bring about meaningful improvements: By discussing the results of environmental and social impact assessments as well as other relevant assessments and requirements, we aim to contribute to making meaningful and financially viable improvements.
    • Contribute to international discussions: We are actively involved in international discussions aimed at ensuring that financial institutions take environmental and social considerations into greater account. In doing so, we strive to set standards that are as uniform as possible.