Sustainability and ESG
Environmental policy of the Oesterreichische Nationalbank (OeNB)
At the OeNB, we keep an eye on how our activities impact on the environment and society. That is because we want to promote sustainable development both in Austria and beyond.
According to the United Nations’ 1987 Brundtland Report, “sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”
Sustainability is relevant in a broad range of areas and thus interdisciplinary by nature. That is why various functions at the OeNB are accountable for sustainability topics. They implement environmental, social and governance (ESG) criteria and contribute to the work of both OeNB and international bodies.
Sustainability Office
The Sustainability Office is tasked with coordinating ESG sustainability management at the OeNB. Recently, our activities have centered on the topic of ecology. With sustainability considerations informing many areas of our work, we aim to promote exchange on related activities across all responsible business areas. Moreover, we strive to continuously sharpen our sustainability strategy and sustainability management, as guided by the OeNB’s Governing Board.
Ecological sustainability (E in ESG)
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Environmental management
For more than 25 years, the OeNB has been working to continually improve its environmental track record in accordance with its certification under EMAS (Eco-Management and Audit Scheme). On top of the environmental standards required by law, we comply with the principles of the EMAS Regulation.
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Climate risks and green finance
The OeNB supports the financial sector in dealing with the risks and opportunities arising from climate change. Within our mandate, we aim to ensure the smoothest transition possible to a climate-neutral economy.
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Climate-related financial disclosures
Every year, the OeNB publishes information on climate-related aspects of its nonmonetary policy portfolios (NMPPs). The OeNB discloses this information in accordance with common Eurosystem standards, based on the recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD).
Social sustainability (S in ESG)
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Research promotion
The OeNB has a long tradition of promoting research. We support scientific projects and fund a number of scholarships and awards.
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Financial literacy
The OeNB offers a broad range of information and education services to strengthen financial literacy in Austria. It has done so for many years to help people understand how the economy works. (German only)
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Culture and the arts
It has always been important to the OeNB to promote Austrian art and culture and help preserve this heritage for Austria. (German only)
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Money Museum
The OeNB’s Money Museum is an educational and cultural institution. It documents the development of money – from its origins to the present day. Experience 2,600 years of monetary history and more than 200 years of banking history and learn interesting facts about what we do at the central bank.
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Diversity and inclusion
The OeNB fulfills its social responsibility for ensuring equal opportunities by promoting diversity and creating an inclusive working environment that values different perspectives. (German only)
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Work and family life
As a family-friendly employer, the OeNB provides flexible working conditions, support to parents and other measures. This helps employees combine a career with family life. (German only)
Governance (G in ESG)
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Corporate governance
As Austria’s central bank, we set high standards for the work we do. That is why we have introduced a comprehensive compliance management system. This system helps us ensure good governance in line with the provisions laid down in the Nationalbank Act and the requirements set out by the European System of Central Banks.
