UOB makes steady progress on net zero commitment

SINGAPORE, Oct. 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — UOB today released its first net zero progress report on its commitment to reach net zero by 2050, as it makes positive headway in meeting the targets set for its focus sectors.

UOB’s net zero commitment includes specific reduction targets for five sectors – power, automotive, real estate, construction and steel. Based on its 2022 data, the Bank achieved reductions in emissions intensities across all five sectors, with the various metrics at seven to 14 per cent below the respective net zero target reference pathways.

The Bank’s commitment made last year also includes no new financing for upstream oil and gas projects approved for development after 2022. Together, the six sectors make up about 60 per cent of its corporate lending portfolio.

Using internationally-recognised climate science models, UOB based its sectoral targets on regional pathways that align with global net zero goals. This approach reflects UOB’s strong belief in the need for a just transition in Southeast Asia, to support socioeconomic growth and improve energy access across the region’s diverse economies.

The report details the opportunities and challenges faced in meeting the net zero targets across sectors, and explains how the Bank is stepping up efforts to engage clients and deepen collaboration with global and regional stakeholders on decarbonisation. 

Mr Wee Ee Cheong, Deputy Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, UOB, said, “At UOB, we support an orderly and just transition to net zero so that economies continue to grow and people’s access to energy continues to improve. We are here to catalyse funding and support our customers on their transition journey. We have also taken steps to transform our operating processes and to deepen our collaboration with the larger ecosystem of stakeholders, including across all levels of government, economy and society to effect transformative changes.

“Building on our promise to do right by our customers and stakeholders, we want to create a positive impact for individuals, businesses and communities. Together, we can forge a sustainable future for the people and businesses in our home region of ASEAN and those connecting with the region.”

UOB has developed a holistic programme to operationalise its net zero commitment. The programme focuses on four key areas:

i.  Developing sectoral plans, which include setting targets, measuring progress and capturing opportunities across sectors;

ii.  Supporting customers by providing advisory and financial solutions to help them in their decarbonisation journey;

iii.  Embedding net zero in the Bank’s operating model across governance, policies, processes and capabilities; and

iv.  Driving effective stakeholder engagement and working collaboratively with a broader ecosystem of governments, regulators, industry and trade associations, and peers to drive collective action.

UOB has extended S$38 billion in sustainable financing as at the end of September 2023. The Bank will continue to develop and expand its suite of sustainable finance frameworks and solutions, and seek opportunities with clients to support their decarbonisation efforts.

For more information on UOB’s net zero commitment and progress, please visit https://www.uobgroup.com/sustainability/sustainable-banking/net-zero-commitment.page.

UOB has also launched a sustainability-themed film that demonstrates its belief that people and the planet must progress together in harmony. To watch the film, please visit: https://www.uobgroup.com/sustainability/index.page.

About UOB

UOB is a leading bank in Asia. Operating through its head office in Singapore and banking subsidiaries in China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam, UOB has a global network of around 500 offices in 19 countries and territories in Asia Pacific, Europe and North America. Since its incorporation in 1935, UOB has grown organically and through a series of strategic acquisitions. Today, UOB is rated among the world’s top banks: Aa1 by Moody’s Investors Service and AA- by both S&P Global Ratings and Fitch Ratings.

For nearly nine decades, UOB has adopted a customer-centric approach to create long-term value by staying relevant through its enterprising spirit and doing right by its customers. UOB is focused on building the future of ASEAN – for the people and businesses within, and connecting with, ASEAN.

The Bank connects businesses to opportunities in the region with its unparalleled regional footprint and leverages data and insights to innovate and create personalised banking experiences and solutions catering to each customer’s unique needs and evolving preferences. UOB is also committed to forging a sustainable future through working with its stakeholders to create positive environmental impact, fostering social inclusiveness and pursuing economic progress. UOB believes in being a responsible financial services provider and is steadfast in its support of art, social development of children and education, doing right by its communities and stakeholders. 

Source : UOB makes steady progress on net zero commitment

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