Grupo Popular, S. A.
Climate Impact & Sustainability Data (2023)
Reporting Period: 2023
Environmental Metrics
Scope 1 Emissions:626 tCO2e/year
Scope 2 Emissions:1,907 tCO2e/year
Scope 3 Emissions:3,089 tCO2e/year
Total Energy Consumption:33,743 MWh/year
Water Consumption:274 megaliters/year
Carbon Intensity:19.98 tCO2e per million Dominican pesos
ESG Focus Areas
- Corporate governance, ethics and compliance
- Inclusion and financial education
- Sustainable products and services
- Social investment and community development
- Assessment of socio-environmental risks of the portfolio
- Management and well-being of human talent
- Fintech and digital innovation
- Climate strategy
- Cybersecurity, information security and consumer protection
- Eco-efficiency
Environmental Achievements
- Planted more than 1.2 million trees
- US$391 million in renewable energy financing projects, reaching 1,031 MW installed capacity
- 17% growth of the “Hazte Eco” green finance portfolio
Social Achievements
- Launched "Emprende Mujer" platform for female entrepreneurship, offering financial support, training, and psychological support
- US$250 million agreement with DFC and Banco Santander to support women-led SMEs
- Joined the We Finance Code to expand credit access for women-run MSMEs and SMEs
- Renovated seven parks benefiting more than 73,578 people
- Excelencia Popular scholarship program
- Finanzas con Propósito Academy provided free financial education to over 15,000 people
Governance Achievements
- Strengthened prevention systems against fraud, bribery, and illicit practices
- Implemented a Compliance Program for the Prevention of Bribery and other corrupt practices
Climate Goals & Targets
Long-term Goals:
- Reduce scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions of the Business and Corporate Banking segments of the Bank's portfolio by 3.8% by 2030 and by 38.4% by 2050
Medium-term Goals:
- Access funds from international organizations for green financing
- Be a regional reference for the digital transformation of financial services
Short-term Goals:
- Become a certified zero-emissions organization
- Improve the commercial management of Hazte Eco Portfolio products
- Placement of the green bond on the market and publishing of the first post-issuance annual report
- Placement of part of the funds from the agreement with DFC to continue promoting SMEs and SMEs led by women and those that promote sustainability initiatives in the country
Environmental Challenges
- High cost of hybrid and electric vehicles impacting financing
- Supply chain disruptions (implied)
- Need to improve commercial management of Hazte Eco Portfolio products
- Access to international funds for green financing
Mitigation Strategies
- Advertising campaigns to encourage hybrid and electric vehicle financing
- Negotiating with commercial allies to offer better loan prices
- Developing a more robust system for identifying and managing socio-environmental risks
- Working towards access to international funds for green financing
Supply Chain Management
Responsible Procurement
- Code of Ethics for Suppliers prohibiting child labor and promoting human rights
Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities
Physical Risks
- Adverse climate phenomena
Transition Risks
- Regulatory changes
Opportunities
- Development of energy-efficient products and services
- Green financing opportunities
Reporting Standards
Frameworks Used: GRI Standards, UNEP-FI Responsible Banking Principles, UN Global Compact, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Certifications: 3R Sustainability Gold Certification (30 offices), Climate Bonds Initiative (CBI) certification for green bond
Third-party Assurance: KPMG Dominicana, S.A. (limited assurance)
UN Sustainable Development Goals
- SDG 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17
Initiatives align with various SDGs as detailed throughout the report
Sustainable Products & Innovation
- Hazte Eco portfolio (loans for hybrid/electric vehicles, solar panels, etc.)
- Green leasing portfolio
- Green bond issuance
Awards & Recognition
- Gold Certification in 3R Sustainability
- Most admired company in the Dominican Republic
- Best Company to Work For
- SST Recognition of Excellence in good Occupational Health and Safety practices