Farmers tending to their crops

Planet

Growing a better world together. We want to, need to and have committed to do so. That’s why we support our customers to be resilient and future-proof. Now & tomorrow. So they’re able to act on climate and protect & restore nature in their business and at home. In a financially sound way. That’s why we will also drive developments that can contribute to making the more sustainable option affordable, available and accessible.

Our sustainable priorities

From a sustainability perspective the reduction of our climate impact and protecting & restoring nature are our main priorities. In our own organization, with our customers and in our communities. We will drive developments that can contribute to make a more sustainable life and business affordable, available and accessible.

We will act in line with our convictions, commitments and regulation and do this in a science based way. Next to having our foundation in order, from human rights to good governance, our relentless focus from an environmental perspective will be to:

act in line with the maximum 1.5⁰C warming as agreed in the Paris Climate Agreement and decarbonize where possible protect & restore nature, toward a nature inclusive approach

And we use an inclusive social perspective in all that we do.

An illustration of the Eiffel tower beign circled by a green and an orange leaf

Climate Plan

Our commitments to ‘Paris’ mean that we are actively seeking ways to increase the positive impact and decrease the negative impact of our financing activities and operations, on climate change. In our climate plan ‘Our Road to Paris’ targets and pathways where possible are based on science (i.e. SBTi and IEA).

Our Road to Paris 2022 (EN)

Act on climate

Climate change and nature loss undermine the resilience of our planet and its ability to recover. It affects everyone, everywhere. Rabobank clearly recognizes the gravity of the situation and we are fully committed to support the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement and signed the Net-Zero Banking Alliance and the Dutch Financial Climate which requires amongst others:

maximum reduction of greenhouse gas emissions strong increase of carbon sequestration

Our goal is to act in line with the maximum 1.5 degrees Celsius warming as agreed in the Paris Climate Agreement. We look further than our own company.

We need to help our customers on their journey from here to greener and support them with our knowledge, network, products and services to be able to start and complete that journey. For example:

creating insights in emissions and offer solutions to reduce them financing more sustainable homes developing better earning models for more sustainable farming supporting sustainable energy generation and consumption
What we also look at:
greenhouse gas reduction pathways decarbonizing the energy system sustainable farming net-zero deforestation supporting the circular economy limiting food waste

Protect and Restore Nature

As Rabobank, we recognize human impact and dependency on Nature and the urge to act on it. We were one of the first financial institutions that co-launched and signed up to the Finance for Biodiversity Pledge and Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures to protect & restore nature.

What we look at:
increase of biodiversity & soil health net-zero deforestation, land conversion & peat burning protection of fresh water & reduction of water scarcity reduction of pollution & waste

In 2024 concrete targets will be set. This is currently being developed.

Sustainable Food and Agri-sector

By 2050 there will be 10 billion mouths to feed. And though we produce more food today than at any other time in history, our food system is under stress. Climate change impacts threaten growing seasons and soil health and biodiversity are in decline. If we want to feed the world sustainably, the current food system needs to change. We need to work toward one that meets the increasing demand, improves living standards for producers and respects planetary boundaries.

These challenges also present opportunities for innovation, growth and new earning models.

For this food system transition, Rabobank looks at:
accelerating regenerative agriculture protecting & restoring nature diversifying protein supply reducing food loss & waste (to avoid unnecessary production and climate impact) enhancing rural livelihoods

With partners and clients at every step in the food value chain, we are able to incentivize and support food producers in the changing F&A landscape. Read more on our approach, knowledge & network at Food System Transitions.

Farmers tending to their crops

Biodiversity Monitor

Increasing biodiversity is crucial. But how do you measure that and know what to act on as a farmer? That's where the biodiversity monitor can be of help.