ESG Sector Strategies – Transition Pathways for a Resilient Transformation
We manage climate-relevant parts of our loan portfolio along sector-specific decarbonisation strategies. The aim is to enable real emission reductions, limit transition risks and support our customers in transforming their business models.
Our sectoral target paths are based on science-based references and are an expression of our ambition to make an active contribution to the transformation and to strategically develop our loan portfolio.
The transition to a climate-neutral economy is not linear and not uniform. Emission profiles, technological maturity levels and transformation speeds differ significantly between sectors.
Therefore, we pursue a sector-specific management approach that:
- takes into account the specific characteristics of individual industries,
- define clear, measurable target paths, and
- enables structured support for the transformation.
Establishing our sector strategies
NORD/LB's decarbonisation strategies follow a uniform methodological framework. For the relevant sectors, we use recognised external scenarios and scientific benchmarks, such as sectoral decarbonisation pathways. Based on this, we define specific sectors and, where necessary, the underlying activities along the value chain.
For each sector, we derive specific target paths, for example in the form of emission intensities for defined points in time. The current status of our loan portfolio is regularly measured and compared with these target paths. This approach enables a comparable, consistent and forward-looking assessment of climate-related transition risks in the portfolio.
Focussed sectors
As part of our decarbonisation strategies, we focus on the sectors in the loan portfolio that are most relevant to us.
As a bank of the energy transition, the energy sector is of particular importance – both for portfolio management and for actively supporting the transformation.
Specific target paths are defined for these sectors and regularly developed.
NORD/LB is actively shaping the energy transistion
Emissions intensity in the energy sector: NORD/LB‘s performance compared with the IEA reference pathway
Due to our strategic business approach, our portfolio in the energy sector is already comparatively low in carbon emissions. At the same time, we acknowledge our responsibility and aim to reduce emissions intensity by 29 % (kg CO₂/MWh) in 2030.
At the same time, we are also looking at other climate-relevant industries and managing them along specific target paths in order to advance the transformation of our entire portfolio in a structured and cross-sector manner.
Further information can be found in NORD/LB's Sustainability Report (CSRD Report) and in our ESG-Strategy.
Accompany customers. Enable transformation.
We serve as a financing and transformation partner for our customers. ESG indicator strategies are not a standalone objective, but serve to
- enable investment in sustainable technologies,
- identify transition risks at an early stage and
- sustainable business models in the long term.
In this way, we combine climate goals with economic stability and responsible lending. Through our Green Finance approaches, we provide targeted support for transformation projects in line with regulatory and economic requirements.
