Environmental transition

Our commitment

At Societe Generale, we believe that banks have a key role to play in the positive transformations of the world and the sustainable development of economies. In line with our corporate purpose, we have placed sustainable development – and the energy transition in particular – at the heart of our strategy. We want to contribute to a transition that is both proactive and responsible by supporting our clients and the real economy as they move towards carbon neutrality.

Societe Generale is working to align progressively its portfolios with trajectories in line with the objectives of the Paris Agreement, in priority on the most carbon-intensive sectors.

In addition to these commitments, the Group has put in place a strict framework of general Environmental and Social (E&S) principles in ten priority sectors:  

• Agriculture, fisheries and agri-food
• Dams and hydroelectric power
• Thermal power stations
• Thermal coal
• Defense and security
• Mining
• Shipping
• Civil nuclear power
• Oil and gas
• Tobacco

These commitments have a dual purpose. Firstly, they aim to limit all our potential direct negative environmental and social impacts. Secondly, they help to encourage transactions and clients with a positive impact in terms of sustainable development.

Meeting the clients’ needs

A pioneer in supporting the energy transition

• Financing the energy transition – After delivering ahead of schedule the EUR 300 billion sustainable finance target set for 2022-2025, the Group has set a new EUR 500 billion target over the period 2024-2030.
• Renewable energies – To support the transition of the sector, Societe Generale has been supporting the development of renewable energies for more than 20 years; ranked No. 1 in financing for the EMEA region at the end of June 2021 (Dealogic).
• Supporting clients' sustainable development issues – In our retail and global banking activities, as well as in our specialised financial services, such as insurance and fleet management, the Group is developing positive impact through solutions in the areas of consulting, financing and investment.
• Solutions for the future – Societe Generale is part of various coalitions to find innovative solutions with our clients in their sectors. In particular, the Group was the first European bank to join the Hydrogen Council.

CSR governance and own operations

• A strengthened organisation: CSR policies and their implementation are monitored by the Deputy Chief Executive Officer; the Sustainable Development department is under the direct responsibility of General Management; CSR is built into the mandates of the Heads of the business lines and support functions. 

• Investment in ESG training programmes for our staff to enable them all to act responsibly in favour of the climate and become actors of the energy transition.

• A new commitment to reduce the Group's own carbon emissions by 50% between 2019 and 2030 by acting on the energy required for buildings, IT, air travel and vehicle fleet. The Group has also decided to ban single-use plastics in the workplace by 2025 across the world, and earlier where relevant according to geographies.

Recognised expertise 

• Bank of the Year for Sustainability - IFR Awards 2021
• Investment Bank of the Year for Sustainability 2021 - The Banker
• Best Investment Bank for Sustainable Finance 2022 - Global Finance 
• Global Best Bank Transition Strategy – Euromoney Awards for Excellence 2022

Towards inclusive, transparent and accountable digital activity

In November 2019, the Group announced our signature of the Sustainable IT Charter. In doing so, we joined the 28 companies, not-for-profits and public actors who signed these commitments issued by the Institut du Numérique Responsable (Institute for responsible digital activity, or INR) – a think tank for responsible IT – of which the Group is a founding member. This charter is proof of our commitment to a process of digital transformation that seeks to limit global warming and promotes social inclusion.