SaarLB > About us > Sustainability

Responsibility with impact.

For us, sustainability management is about incorporating environmental and social considerations into the Bank’s relevant decisions and processes. We establish a framework for this through an appropriate corporate structure. By defining ESG criteria, we aim to facilitate financing that supports investment in environmental and social projects.

Dr. Sandra Geißel
ESG Management Officer

Investing where the future takes shape.

E = Environment

The ‘E’ refers specifically to the environmental aspects of a company or organisation. It assesses how well the company takes environmental issues into account, such as the use of natural resources, climate change, waste management and the environmental impact of its business activities.

S = Social

The ‘S’ refers to the social aspects of a company or organisation. The assessment focuses on how the company treats its employees, customers, suppliers and society as a whole. This takes into account issues such as working conditions, human rights, diversity and inclusion, customer relations, product responsibility and social engagement.

G = Governance

The ‘G’ refers to the way in which a company is governed and controlled. The assessment covers corporate governance, transparency, integrity and management accountability. This involves examining aspects such as the composition of the executive board, the independence of supervisory bodies, remuneration structures, corporate ethics and the disclosure of information.

Responsible

Responsibility in our actions

Sustainability-related issues are becoming increasingly important for business and society. Regulatory requirements, technological developments and the transformation of the economy are changing the operating environment for businesses and public sector organisations. As a result, environmental and social aspects, as well as issues relating to responsible corporate governance, are taking centre stage in business decision-making.
As a Franco-German bank, SaarLB supports its clients in financing investment projects and economic transformation processes. Sustainability-related aspects are taken into account in the corporate strategy as well as in relevant business and management processes.

One of SaarLB’s key areas of focus is the financing of renewable energy projects in Germany, France and other European markets. In addition, the bank finances investment projects undertaken by companies, local authorities and municipally-owned enterprises, as well as property investors, and supports savings banks and institutional clients with a range of services tailored to their specific requirements.
SaarLB also takes environmental, social and governance considerations into account in its own business operations. These include, amongst other things, measures to ensure the responsible use of resources, to promote equality, and to develop and support staff, as well as the bank’s regional engagement, for example in the fields of art and culture.

Looking to the future

Financing based on ESG criteria

ESG considerations form an integral part of our lending and financing policy. The aim is to take ESG risks and any potential negative impacts on the environment and society into account when granting loans and, where possible, to mitigate them. At the same time, SaarLB finances projects that meet defined environmental or social criteria, thereby enabling, for example, investment in renewable energy, energy efficiency or social infrastructure.
SaarLB aligns its objectives and activities thematically with the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals. As part of a materiality analysis, we assess the opportunities and risks arising for SaarLB and the impact our financing has on the environment and society.

Particular emphasis is placed on financing projects that meet specified environmental criteria. These include, in particular, projects in the field of renewable energy, an area in which SaarLB has many years’ experience in providing finance.

Capital with an impact

Investing in accordance with defined
ESG criteria

ESG factors are increasingly being taken into account in the investment decisions of institutional investors. The allocation of funds is guided by the criteria for environmental and social project categories set out in the Sustainable Funding Framework.
In addition to the existing green bond issuance programmes based on renewable energy and a social mortgage bond, SaarLB has also issued a social bond and a ‘Green Buildings’ green mortgage bond.

This forms part of SaarLB’s sustainability strategy and supports the strategic development of its financing activities in the areas of renewable energy, social infrastructure and climate protection.
The proceeds from the issue of SaarLB’s sustainable bonds will be used exclusively for eligible or suitable projects in accordance with the Green Bond Principles (GBP) or Social Bond Principles, which fall within the categories of ‘renewable energy’, ‘green buildings’ or ‘social infrastructure’.

In Germany, France, the Netherlands and Luxembourg

Project financing for renewable energy – our specialism

SaarLB specialises in project finance for renewable energy and, in particular, supports projects in the fields of wind energy and photovoltaics.

Our focus is on Germany and France. There, we finance projects for national and international project developers and investors, and have many years’ experience in structuring and implementing appropriate financing solutions. In addition, we are also active in other European markets, including the Netherlands.

By financing wind and solar projects, we are supporting the expansion of renewable energy and the transformation of the energy supply.

Renewable energy portfolio as at 31 December 2025

Rated power in GW

Successfully completed projects

Total investment volume in billions of euros

CO2 savings in million tonnes per year

Funding for economic transformation

SaarLB is financing a large-scale battery storage facility in France

13. August 2026 Homepage

SaarLB is supporting the financing of a large-scale battery storage project in Neuilly-en-Thelle, in northern France, in the Hauts-de-France region. The borrower is a project ...

The photo shows the Champus in Chiemgau after construction was completed

Construction of the Chiemgau Campus in Traunstein

18. March 2026 Homepage

Together with the Kreissparkasse Traunstein-Trostberg, SaarLB has financed the construction of the Campus Chiemgau in Traunstein – an innovative site shared by the Rosenheim University ...

An important step for green steel in Saarland – we are on board!

15. October 2025 Corporate customers

The transformation of the Saarland steel industry continues to gather pace. A consortium of 16 banks, including us as one of the core banks of ...

Responsibility embedded in strategy

Our sustainability strategy sets out a clear vision for this. We have defined specific targets and measures across six strategic areas – ranging from climate-friendly banking operations and the sustainable orientation of our business, through ESG criteria, to equal opportunities and staff satisfaction.

Our sustainability strategy sets out how we are putting this commitment into practice and measuring our progress.

Sustainability Strategy (german version)

Making ESG criteria transparent

Our sustainability report provides a transparent overview of where we stand today, the progress we have already made, and the areas in which we aim to improve. It offers insight into our measures, targets and key performance indicators, and demonstrates our commitment to sustainable development.

The report is based on the voluntary European VSME standard for sustainability reporting.

Sustainability Report (german version)

VSME Report (german version)

Acting responsibly

Our Code of Conduct sets out the framework for acting responsibly and with integrity. It describes the principles and values that guide us in our day-to-day work and in our dealings with customers, business partners and society.

This is not merely a matter of complying with applicable rules. It is also crucial to weigh up our options responsibly and to ensure that our business activities are in line with our ethical principles. In this way, the Code of Conduct provides a common framework for all staff.

SaarLB Code of Conduct (german version)

Climate and environmental protection

Our aim is to reduce internal emissions at all SaarLB sites to unavoidable residual emissions by 2035.
SaarLB already sources 100 per cent green electricity for its sites.

Sustainability management at SaarLB

SaarLB’s ESG management team coordinates and oversees the bank’s sustainability activities in accordance with the sustainability strategy. Working alongside the specialist departments, it ensures that the strategic sustainability objectives are implemented throughout the bank. Furthermore, the ESG management team is responsible for SaarLB’s sustainability reporting.

ESG rating

The sustainability agency ISS ESG (formerly oekom research) has awarded SaarLB a C- rating (2025). This means the bank’s performance is well above the industry average and places it amongst the top 30 per cent of banks in the ‘Public & Regional Banks’ category in the international sustainability rating.

ESG rating from Sustainable Fitch

In addition, an ESG rating was awarded by Sustainable Fitch ESG in 2024. SaarLB received an entity rating of 3 (on a scale of 1 to 5: good to poor).

Social and environmental commitment

Responsibility for the region

As a regional bank, we have a special connection to our region. That is why, beyond our banking activities, we are committed to its economic, social and cultural development.
We support the regional economy and technological progress through our involvement in business development and private equity firms. As a partner to the public sector, we finance key investments in the region’s infrastructure and development – for example, in education, healthcare, tourism and business. Together with LBS Landesbausparkasse Saar and the Saarland savings banks, we also support private home ownership, energy-efficient refurbishments and investments in renewable energy.

Another key focus of our commitment is on science and education. For many years, we have been supporting universities and scientific institutions in the region and backing projects, collaborations and academic exchange – particularly within the Franco-German context.
Furthermore, we are committed to the arts, culture and Franco-German cooperation. This includes supporting selected institutions and initiatives, as well as our contribution to the preservation of cultural heritage. We have loaned or donated parts of our art collection – built up over many years – to museums in the region on a permanent basis, thereby making them accessible to the public.

Proportion of the product portfolio that is socially responsible

in the areas of public services and environmental protection, as part of the overall portfolio as at 31 December 2025

Energy supply

0 %

Water supply

0 %

Wastewater disposal

0 %

Waste disposal

0 %

Healthcare

0 %

Commitment

SaarLB invests in regenerative agriculture

Klim supports farmers in making the transition to regenerative agriculture. The aim is to regenerate soils in the long term, enhance their fertility and resilience, whilst simultaneously reducing CO₂ emissions and sequestering carbon in the soil.
To this end, Klim connects farms with companies that invest specifically in regenerative measures. Participating farmers receive expert support, financial incentives and digital tools to assist with the implementation and development of these measures.
This gives rise to projects that combine climate protection, biodiversity and long-term resilient agriculture.
By promoting regenerative agriculture, we are helping to protect natural resources, strengthen regional value creation and support the transition to a sustainable economy in the Saarland and beyond – together with our customers.