RepoRt on - BNP Paribas

since it has the most knowledge about
transactions and clients. the procedure
classifies projects according to their importance,
ensuring the most sensitive
ones are brought to the attention of
cib’s management before a decision
is taken. these projects are systematically
managed by a specific transactions
approval committee. this committee
existed before the equator Principles
were formally adopted, and deals with
exceptional transactions. it analyses aspects
of the transaction other than its
financial viability, focusing on exceptional
risks that need to be validated
by senior management.
to help project financing staff with categorising
the equator Principles, a sustainable
finance tool is used. this tool is
also used by other signatory banks, and
has been tailored to bnP Paribas. it identifies
environmental and social issues in
specific sectors, and provides a guide for
categorising them. it offers possible solutions
to mitigate identified environmental
and social risks, as well as recommendations
to be passed on to the client.
all key participants in project financing
have received specific training. sessions
have taken place in Paris, new york and
singapore. in all, 163 staff have taken
part in training, including around 90% of
project finance staff, along with others
involved in the transaction approval
process. additional sessions will be organised
as required.
in addition, an intranet tool has been
developed to disseminate knowledge
of the equator Principles, including information
for resolving complex problems
and a legal glossary to be used to draft
loan documentation, particularly the
environmental and social sections.
in 2009, 58 transactions were examined.
88% were rated in categories b or c (with
limited or insignificant environmental
and social impact). 12% were rated in
category a, showing a potentially material
negative impact, but also adequate
mitigation prospects according to the
equator Principles categorisation.
a detailed review covering the implementation
of the equator Principles and
annual reporting documents relating to
transactions can be accessed at the
following web address:
http://www.bnpparibas.com/en/
sustainable-development/equatorprinciples.asp
the acquisition of a 75% stake in fortis
banque became effective on 12 may
2009. bnP Paribas fortis’ acceptance
of the equator Principles was confirmed
after the acquisition. a separate reporting
document is included in the csr
report and can be accessed at the
bnP Paribas fortis website:
http://www.fortisbank.com/en/
corporateresponsibility/csr_reports.asp
pRoJects by geogRAphicAl Region
3% africa
5% asia
9% australia
10% middle east
16% north america
21% south america
36% europe
breakdoWn oF proJeCts bY CategorY and seCtor
CATEGORy A
CATEGORy B
CATEGORy C
Number of projects
25
20
15
10
5
0
Mining
79 <strong>RepoRt</strong> on CoRpoRate SoCial and enviRonmental ReSponSibility
Infrastructure
Petrochemicals
Oil and gas
Thermal power stations
Power transmission
Renewable energies