Mónica Malo, Director of Communications, External Relations and Sustainability at Cecabank.
The transition to a low-carbon economy continues to be a challenge within the climate agenda and requires coordinated efforts by all economic stakeholders and sectors. At Cecabank, as part of the financial sector, we are not oblivious to this reality and we embrace the fundamental role we play in driving and promoting sustainable finance, voluntarily submitting ourselves to greater demands. This is why we go one step beyond regulation and remain firmly committed to ESG best practices, anticipating our customers' needs while making a positive impact on our environment.
At Cecabank we believe in sustainability and we are aware of the importance of the transition to a low-carbon economy and of our role as part of the financial sector. In this regard, we remain firmly committed to ESG best practices and we are aware of the importance of developing our business with consideration for environmental, social and governance factors. The reason: it is necessary to promote the transformation of the financial sector towards a sustainable model.
Sustainability, understood from a 360º perspective, has been one of Cecabank's strategic priorities for years. It is part of the DNA of our business, of the management of our human capital and of the relationships we maintain on a day-to-day basis with customers, shareholders and other stakeholders. We are members of the Global Compact and actively contribute to the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 Agenda. We contribute to the attainment of these objectives through various actions and strategic alliances. Notably, our contribution towards goals 8, 5 and 16, where we work to promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth through decent work and the reduction of inequalities, as well as the creation of a business model based on the best practices of good corporate governance, ethics and compliance. We also respond to SDG 17, among others, by building a network of alliances with which to contribute to the collective debate.
This year our social, environmental and governance concerns have led us to prepare a new sustainability plan, aligned with the 2022-2024 Strategic Plan. A comprehensive plan consisting of 70 actions covering all corporate and business areas to respond to the current internal and external context. It is made up of four blocks.
The first of these focuses on 'People' and includes 19 actions associated with the promotion of equality, diversity and inclusion policies, as well as the responsible and sustainable management of talent. At Cecabank we work to promote the professional development of our employees through the CRECE+ Plan. Our bank has been distinguished with the Family-Friendly Company seal, awarded by the Másfamilia Foundation, and the Diversity Leading Company seal, awarded by Equipos & Talento. We work every day to build a better, more equal and fairer society because we are aware of our responsibility as a company to reduce the gender gap and to promote a diverse and inclusive work environment. In addition, we involve our staff in various social, cultural and environmental projects through the 'Tú Eliges' (You Choose) programme.
The second block revolves around the 'Planet' with nine actions associated with SDGs 12, 13 and 16. Under the precautionary principle, we promote efficiency in consumption and the responsible and sustainable management of material resources. This commitment has resulted in an annual reduction in energy, water and paper consumption. And last year we went one step further in our commitment to tackling climate change by offsetting our 2020 Scope 1 and 2 emissions, making us a carbon-neutral bank.
Another key pillar of the sustainability plan is 'Prosperity'. We have always known how to adapt to market changes and to the needs of our customers without losing one iota of the quality and excellence that characterise us. This is why we work every day to create value while maintaining our solvency, with a focus on innovation and digital development.
Following this maxim, we also seek to accompany our customers in their transition towards a sustainable business model, working on the development of products and services that respond to their ESG needs, such as our Proxy Voting service, the creation of a market in green emissions or the inclusion of environmental criteria in payment methods to reduce their environmental footprint. Finally, we implement 33 actions in the area of 'Governance' to meet the market's highest standards. Our initiatives reinforce, in addition to our behaviour as professionals and as a company, the attributes of neutrality and independence of our services.
To guarantee compliance with the commitments acquired in the four areas of work, we rely on a governance model that establishes transversal responsibilities throughout the organisation, involving the different areas and all the governing bodies of the bank. With the sustainability plan for the next strategic horizon, at Cecabank we aim to consolidate our market leadership, increasing customer and shareholder confidence through a responsible business model; position our ESG services proposal, anticipating our customers' needs; and generate a positive impact on our environment and on stakeholders.
