Our action towards net zero
Climate change presents potentially significant risks and opportunities for our clients and for Credit Suisse as a global financial institution. We recognize the role we have to play as a responsible facilitator in minimizing the impact of climate change. The substantial reduction in greenhouse gas emissions globally that is needed to mitigate its effects will require large-scale investment in key market sectors. This will also create opportunities for Credit Suisse in supporting clients’ transition to a low-carbon and climate-resilient economy.
For Credit Suisse, our main potential impact lies in aligning our financing and investment activities with the goals of the Paris Agreement, which include limiting global warming to well below 2°C, preferably to 1.5°C, compared to preindustrial levels. Therefore, we have set ourselves the ambition of reaching net zero emissions by 2050 in line with a 1.5°C trajectory across our in-scope corporate lending and investment portfolios, as well as our own operations and supply chain.
We have set interim 2030 goals covering our scope 3 emissions for in-scope corporate lending and investment activities and for our scope 1 and 2 enterprise operational emissions.
Our climate strategy is outlined by our climate approach, which has evolved from the previously disclosed three-pronged approach into three key objectives that are anchored in our overarching sustainability strategy.
To reinforce our own net zero commitment, in March 2022 we joined the Net Zero Asset Managers initiative (NZAMi) – in addition to an existing commitment to the Net-Zero Banking Alliance (NZBA). Through our membership of these groups and others, we aim to improve our own reporting and disclosures. This means we intend to regularly report on our progress in a standardized format that is credible, transparent and comparable to prior periods. We welcome regulatory requirements that would harmonize reporting standards to create transparency and comparability across companies.
The Net Zero Banking Aliance (NZBA)
Credit Suisse is a founding member of the UN-convened NZBA , which brings together 114 banks representing about 38% of global banking assets (July 2022). Members commit to aligning their portfolios with net zero emissions by 2050.
Net Zero Asset Managers Initiative
A formal partner of the UNFCCC’s Race to Zero Campaign, NZAM unites 273 signatories with USD 61.3 trillion AuM (July 2022) committed to supporting the goal of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 or sooner.
The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi)
SBTi is a partnership between CDP, the UN Global Compact, the World Resources Institute (WRI) and the WWF, promoting best practice in emissions reductions and net zero targets in line with climate science.
Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP)
The CDP is an international non-profit representing institutional investors, offering transparent guidance on climate-related opportunities and risks for companies.
United Nations Environment Programme – Finance Initiative (UNEP FI)
Credit Suisse actively participates in the UNEP FI, a network bringing the UN together with banks, insurers and investors globally to shape the sustainable finance agenda.
The Poseidon Principles
Credit Suisse is a signatory to the Poseidon Principles, a global framework for assessing / disclosing the climate alignment of ship finance portfolios and promoting the decarbonization of maritime transport.
The Sustainable Markets Initiative (SMI) Financial Services Taskforce (FSTF)
Credit Suisse is a member of the FTSF, convened as part of His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales’ SMI. The SMI looks to define a credible pathway to net zero and bolster engagement and accelerate transition to a net zero economy.