United Bank for Africa Plc
Climate Impact & Sustainability Data (2019)
Reporting Period: 2019
Environmental Metrics
ESG Focus Areas
- Environmental
- Social
- Governance
Environmental Achievements
- Reduced paper usage by 85% in the first three months of implementing a paperless policy.
- Installed motion sensor light bulbs and sensor-controlled faucets to reduce energy and water consumption at the corporate head office.
- Over 113 solar-powered ATMs nationwide.
Social Achievements
- Launched the UBA Foundation, driving CSR initiatives in Education, Economic Empowerment, and Environment.
- Implemented the Customer First (C1st) philosophy to improve customer service.
- Launched LEO, a chatbot to drive financial inclusion.
Governance Achievements
- Adherence to the ‘Code of Corporate Governance for Banks in Nigeria Post Consolidation’ and the Securities and Exchange Commission’s ‘Code of Corporate Governance’.
- Annual assessment on anti-bribery and corruption.
- Annual evaluation of the Board of Directors by a reputable global firm of consultants.
Climate Goals & Targets
Short-term Goals:
- Achieve 100 percent paper usage reduction by the end of 2020.
- Become number 1 in CBN’s sustainability ranking by the end of 2020.
Environmental Challenges
- Limited access to lending and project financing for customers.
- Persistent customer service challenges.
Mitigation Strategies
- Strict compliance to regulatory requirements on lending and project financing, integrating ESG in credit appraisals.
- Implementation of the Customer First (C1st) philosophy, utilizing multiple outreach channels and digital transformation projects.
- Establishment of the Customer Fulfilment Centre (CFC) as an end-to-end resolution channel for complaints.
Supply Chain Management
Responsible Procurement
- Enhanced vendor selection process with proper review, accreditation and monitoring of vendors.
Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities
Reporting Standards
Frameworks Used: GRI Standards, Nigerian Sustainable Banking Principles (NSBP), Equator Principles
UN Sustainable Development Goals
- Goal 1: No Poverty
- Goal 2: Zero Hunger
- Goal 3: Good Health and Well-Being
- Goal 4: Quality Education
- Goal 5: Gender Equality
- Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
- Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
- Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
- Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities
- Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
- Goal 13: Climate Action
- Goal 14: Life Below Water
- Goal 15: Life on Land
- Goal 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
- Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals
UBA's initiatives contribute to these goals through various programs and partnerships.
Sustainable Products & Innovation
- LEO chatbot
Awards & Recognition
- Top 50 Brands Making A Difference- Nigeria CSR & Sustainability Ranking 2019
- Best institution in support of Education(CSR) 2019 by the Brand Journalist Association of Nigeria
- The Best Company in Youth Empowerment Project by the Sustainability and Social Investment Awards, Ghana
- African Bank of the Year 2019 by the Banker Magazine
- The Next Generation Class of 2019 by CIBN
- The Most Innovative Bank of the year by International Finance
- Best Customer Engagement Tool by Africa Fintech
- Best Automated Chatbot initiative by the Asian Banker
- Best customer engagement tool by Africa Fintech