Rabobank welcomes the Dutch Climate Agreement
Rabobank welcomes the Climate Agreement, which was presented Friday by the Dutch government. “Many of our customers are taking important steps to achieve the Paris objectives. We believe that by creating clear frameworks, the transition to a sustainable future can be accelerated,” says Wiebe Draijer, Chairman of the Managing Board of Rabobank.
The aim of the Climate Agreement is, by 2030, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 49% compared to 1990 levels – and to do so cost-effectively. The goals are in line with the Paris targets, which Rabobank has previously committed itself to. The Climate Agreement affects all sectors of the Dutch economy and society and requires broad support and cooperation from all parties and stakeholders. Draijer: “Climate change requires a fundamental change in how we live and work. That is quite a challenge, but it certainly offers plenty of opportunities as well.”
Rabobank sees the Netherlands as a leader in the energy transition and strives for a climate-smart food & agri sector. The bank actively helps clients to understand their emissions as well as opportunities for reduction at their companies. “This knowledge is necessary to be able to determine the next steps together.”
Agriculture
Agriculture & Land Use is one of the two so-called “climate tables” where Rabobank was involved in the discussion. In December, the Climate Agreement called for a CO2 reduction of 3.5 Mton. The sector itself has ambitions to achieve a 6 Mton CO2 reduction. This extra reduction must mainly come from livestock farming, land use and greenhouse horticulture. Rabobank believes this is an ambitious but not impossible goal. However, it is important that details about the financial frameworks and regulations are finalized quickly. Entrepreneurs must also be given long-term certainty about regulations and financing. After all, they usually invest for long periods.
Most agricultural entrepreneurs recognize that they will need to take new measures to meet the Agreement goals. Some have already asked the bank for financing or advice on, for example, a new stable that meets the latest requirements. If clear frameworks and regulations are not determined swiftly, entrepreneurs run the risk of making decisions that may later prove unwise.
Living
The other climate table in which Rabobank made a direct contribution is the Built Environment. Making the home more sustainable can be a challenge for many homeowners. Which choices are the most sustainable, but also financially feasible? Now that agreements have been made, Rabobank can make it easier for customers to improve sustainability in their homes, including by offering them access to various types of financing. Sustainability will therefore become part of every mortgage interview.
The bank sees building-related financing as a promising new instrument for homeowners, making it easier for them to invest in their homes. As a cooperative bank with many local branches across the Netherlands, Rabobank is also happy to think along with municipalities about neighborhood-driven solutions for making homes and communities more sustainable.
