NATURAL RESOURCES INSIGHTS | 30 JUNE 2019 Funders can support sustainability across the continent Absa | Corporate and Investment Banking > Insights and Events > Funders can support sustainability across the continent Shirley Webber Head: Natural Resources and Energy SHARE Banks play an important role in driving the sustainability of natural resources. The recent commitment of 130 banks from 49 countries to the United Nations Principles for Responsible Banking which were adopted in September 2019 marks an important milestone for the banking industry and so for the Oil and Gas industry as well. The principles guide banks on how to align their business strategy with society’s goals. This framework will undoubtedly play an important role in building a more sustainable future through a combination of project funding and investments considerations. There are six Principles for Responsible Banking that set a global standard for responsibility, they are: 1. Alignment (business strategy to society’s goals) 2. Impact and target setting (increase positive impacts and managing risks to people and environment because of our activities) 3. Clients and customers (activities to create shared prosperity for the future) 4. Stakeholders (engaging to achieve society goals) 5. Governance and culture (effective governance) 6. Transparency and accountability (reviews and reporting on sustainability) Because stakeholders and society should be equally important for financial institutions, financial services corporates will need to ensure that all risk management categories are carefully considered before committing to funding the projects in future. Funding should support sustainable projects As a leading financier of resource projects, with focus on mining, metals, oil and gas, Absa has seen sustainability become an even bigger focus when considering funding projects across Africa. Natural resources in all its forms are diminishing and it is imperative that we all work in a sustainable and responsible manner to extract what is needed. The key role of a bank is evolving and now includes also making sure that where we provide funding, the economy and communities should benefit as well. Going forward, when considering funding of certain commercially viable projects, which include natural resources and extraction, lenders will place additional focus on the positive impact of our funding and involvement on a country’s developmental goals, the environment and its people. Banks can only grow if they understand the symbiotic relationship between growth aspirations and the positive impact on country development, environmental and social responsibility goals. As a responsible lender committed to facilitating economic and sustainable growth, Absa acknowledges sustainability challenges such as social inequality, growing population, increasing unemployment, pressure on natural resources, as well as climate change. Given our key role as the systemic bank in most markets we operate in, we also understand how energy poverty and infrastructure deficits worsen these challenges. Lending policy decisions are critical In this respect, now more than ever before, financial institutions can pave the way to more sustainable economies by lending to economic activities that optimises the best return for the general community. Capital providers can guide customers and stakeholders in their requirements for funding by applying the Equator Principles which include applicable IFC Performance Standards on Environmental and Social Sustainability (Performance Standards) and the World Bank Group Environmental, Health and Safety Guidelines for various sectors and for funding natural resources extraction transactions. This, therefore, means that any lending policy decisions should take a balanced view on the impact on the economies, their development plans, impacted on the communities, stakeholders, investors, clients, and the environment at large. These considerations are non-negotiable and should be adopted as standards. Shirley WebberHead: Natural Resources and Energy https://cib.absa.africa/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/file_example_MP3_700KB.mp3 Related Articles
