Framed by its environmental policy, CGD created the Low Carbon Programme (formerly CGD's Zero Carbon Programme) in response to climate change. The position taken up by CGD meets its active approach, through leadership in responding to the new demands of an economy where, globally, restrictions on carbon emissions are already a reality..
The programme includes five sectors of activity:
1. Emission Quantification - Monitoring of energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions associated with its activities.
2. Emission Reduction - Implementing measures to reduce energy consumption, and the respective emissions.
3. Emission Offsetting- Emission offsetting programme for unavoidable emissions, through projects that contribute towards sustainable development.
4. Low-Carbon Economy Funding - Development of environmentally responsible financial solutions.
5. Community awareness - Awareness raising activities within the community, contributing to the adoption of best practices in the area.
The strategy focuses on two main directions:
- Internal action: taking responsibility for measurement, reduction and offsetting of greenhouse gases emissions from its activities;
- External action: engaging with stakeholders and also with society in general, contributing to the implementation of a low-carbon economy.
Low-Carbon Economy Funding
CGD bets on creating financial solutions that facilitate access to environmentally responsible products, as well as in the integration of these components into existing solutions. Private, corporate and institutional customers need new financial solutions that allow them to reduce their energy and carbon bill. The development of new products and financial solutions that promote the adoption of low-carbon behaviours and technologies is therefore a key vector of the Low Carbon Programme.
Every year CGD participates in various external indexes and ratings to assess its performance. As an example, and in the field of climate change, stands out the voluntary participation since 2009 in the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) Iberia 125, which assesses the largest listed companies in Portugal and Spain.
Over the years, CGD's path in reducing carbon emissions and in mitigating the risks of climate change has been recognised, by achieving a maximum score in the Climate Disclosure Leadership Index (CDLI). It was further distinguished as the best Portuguese company, and the best Iberian financial institution in terms of transparency, and in combating climate change.
CGD is committed to being a sustainable institution, minimizing its impact on the Planet.
CGD Strategy
Solar Plant at the CGD Head-Office Building
The installation of thermal solar panels on the rooftop of CGD's head-office building is the most visible measure to reduce CO2 emissions.
Reduction Goals 2006-2015
Defining measures and internal goals for emission reduction is a key aspect in implementing the strategy to fight climate change at CGD.
Reduction Measures 2006-2014
Acting to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions is essential to achieving the goals set under the Low Carbon Programme (formerly CGD's Zero Carbon Programme)
Carbon Emissions Inventory 2012-2014
Knowing the carbon emissions profile of CGD's activities is the first step to ensure its proper management, including the definition and monitoring of reduction measures.
Carbon Emissions Inventory 2006-2011
CGD has an inventory of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions on its banking business in Portugal since 2006.