ProCredit Milestone – Years of commitment to sustainable development
ProCredit Bank Serbia founded
ProCredit Bank Serbia was established in 2001 as a microfinance bank, with the mission of providing financial services to micro and small enterprises.
Exclusion List introduced
The Exclusion List became an integral part of our Code of Conduct within ProCredit Bank.
Launch of the first ’green’ loans
The first green loans were introduced to support energy efficiency improvements and renewable energy solutions for private individuals, enabling the transition towards a cleaner energy future.
Environmental Policy introduced
Our Environmental Policy is based on a three-pillar approach to environmental protection.
Financed the first solar project in Serbia
ProCredit Bank made a significant step in supporting renewable energy by financing Serbia’s first solar project – Solaris Energy.
First electric car purchased
With the purchase of our first electric vehicle, we began the transition to a fully low-CO₂ fleet. Today, our fleet consists exclusively of more environmentally friendly car models.
ISO 14001 Certificate achieved
Prestižni ISO 14001 sertifikat potvrđuje našu posvećenost zaštiti životne sredine.
First company to use electricity from renewable resources
By signing an agreement with EPS, we became the first company in Serbia to use electricity exclusively from renewable energy sources, backed by a Guarantee of Origin.
Strategy for plastic producers implemented
We introduced a specific strategy for producers of plastics and plastic products, taking steps to reduce plastic use and promote sustainable alternatives.
Portfolio emissions reported under GHG Accounting Standard
By adopting the standard developed within PCAF, we began calculating so-called ‘financed emissions’ – emissions resulting from financing clients and projects.
Electric vehicle charging network established
To strengthen e-mobility infrastructure and encourage the use of clean transport solutions, we installed EV charging stations across Serbia. At the Group level, ProCredit installed 300 chargers.
Joined the Net Zero Banking Alliance
The ProCredit Group joined the Net Zero Banking Alliance, setting clear medium- and long-term targets.
Transition to a Fully Low-Emission Fleet
All ProCredit Bank company vehicles are now low-CO₂ models, reflecting our commitment to reducing our carbon footprint.
Financed the Largest Solar Power Plant in Serbia
One of our most important contributions to renewable energy development was financing what was, at the time, the largest solar power plant in Serbia.
First local Impact Report published
Following the example of the ProCredit Group, which has been publishing the achievements of all member banks and steps taken towards embedding sustainable business practices since 2016, ProCredit Bank Serbia published its first local non-financial Impact Report in 2023.
FAQ
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What is PCAF and the GHG Emissions Accounting Standard?
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PCAF (Partnership for Carbon Accounting Financials) is an international initiative that provides financial institutions with a unified, transparent, and methodologically robust framework for measuring and reporting greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions arising from their lending and investment activities.
The standard developed under PCAF enables banks to calculate so-called financed emissions – emissions generated as a result of financing clients and projects. These emissions fall under Scope 3, Category 15 of the GHG Protocol, meaning they are indirect emissions linked to investment activities.
By applying the PCAF methodology, a bank is able to:
- identify emission sources within its portfolio,
- assess climate-related risks and opportunities,
- set decarbonisation targets,
- report in line with international standards such as TCFD and CDP.
In this way, the Bank not only meets transparency requirements but also actively contributes to global emission reduction goals and the transition towards a net-zero economy.
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What is the Net-Zero Banking Alliance?
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The Net-Zero Banking Alliance (NZBA) is a global initiative launched by the UN Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) with the aim of aligning the banking sector with the goals of the Paris Agreement and the transition to a net-zero greenhouse gas economy by 2050.
As a member of the NZBA, our Bank has joined a group of leading global financial institutions that have committed to:
- aligning their lending, investment, and capital activities with net-zero emission goals,
- setting concrete emission reduction targets by 2030 and reporting regularly on progress,
- developing transparent decarbonisation strategies and disclosing emissions data and transition plans.
Why is it important for a bank to participate in this initiative?
Banks play a pivotal role in combating climate change, as their financing activities shape economic development. Through the NZBA, banks assume responsibility to support sustainable projects, avoid financing activities that contribute to pollution, and encourage clients to adopt green practices.
This initiative not only supports environmental protection but also:
- reduces climate-related risks,
- creates new business opportunities in the green economy,
- responds to growing client and investor demand for sustainable business practices.
As an NZBA member, our Bank is committed to:
- setting emission reduction targets in the sectors with the greatest impact,
- publishing annual reports on emissions and progress towards a net-zero economy,
- participating in joint initiatives that promote best practices and regional approaches to the transition.
We believe that sustainable banking is the foundation of the future, and we are proud to be part of this global transformation.
