Sustainability - BCF - Rapports annuels

Annual Report 2023

Corporate gouvernance

Financial Report 2023

Sustainability

Economic Commitment

Support for businesses in Fribourg

BCF fulfills its mission by contributing to the support of the cantonal economy. The Bank established the Corporate and Real Estate Professionals division in view of our staunch commitment to this segment. This division offers a comprehensive range of products and services as well as individualized service for the various economic players in the region. Essentially a «bank for business and entrepreneurs,» this division actively provides expert advice to all types of companies. It supports the development of industrial, independent, and professional real estate entities as well as municipalities and public-law corporations by providing a wide range of products and services essential for their operational and financial activities. For example, BCF covers companies’ needs for working capital, financing, foreign exchange and bank guarantees.

With advisors firmly rooted in the economic fabric of the region, BCF delivers pragmatic solutions specially suited to meet its clients’ needs. The expertise and solid experience of the special financing team provides additional support to startups, complex financial arrangements, and corporate succession transactions. Corporate succession is a central, essential concern given that one out of every two business leaders is over age 50.

With a presence across 26 branches and decision-making centres throughout the Canton, BCF maintains and develops longstanding relationships with our corporate clients by successfully identifying viable proposals while at the same time understanding local restrictions.

Distribution of advances by industry

In % of advances to customers

1.2

Agriculture

2.4

Manufacturing industries

1.1

Electricity and gas production

0.6

Water production, waste remediation

2.8

Building

2.5

Commerce

0.9

Hotels and restaurants

0.3

Information and communication

1.2

Transport and storage

3.8

Financial and insurance activities

15.8

Real estate activities

1.9

Scientific and technical activities

2.9

Public administration

0.7

Education

2.3

Health and social work

0.5

Arts and entertainment

1.0

Others

58.1

Private households

Environmental Commitment

BCF is deeply concerned about the Bank’s environmental impact. Each year, the Bank reduces its CO2 emissions. BCF is Carbon Fri certified, which confirms that it has implemented a climate policy and a plan of measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

CO2 emissions

With its Carbon Fri label, BCF invests in proportion to its CO2 consumption in sustainable projects run by the Carbon Fri Foundation, which helps improve the regional ecosystem.

e-banking

Since 2011, BCF has been certifying its online banking products in accordance with ISO 14044, which covers all lifecycle emissions of its online products. On this basis, the Bank also invests in proportion to its consumption of CO2 emissions to earn the Carbon Fri label.

Green electricity

The electricity supply is 100% covered by Hydro Fribourg green electricity.

Paper

100% of the paper used by BCF is FSC-certified recycled paper. BCF gives its clients the opportunity save paper by replacing mailings with e-documents.

Waste

Since 2013, BCF has reduced waste by 5%.

Products

BCF offers several eco-responsible products, such as the Eco Mortgage and the Eco Renovation Mortgage loans and an ESG management mandate for wealth management.

Buildings

The modernization of the BCF buildings takes into account best practices to optimize the energy balance. The Bank is implementing the new energy efficiency concept applicable to each renovation.

Governance

For several years, an internal group working with the participation of all BCF employees has been proposing short-term and medium-term sustainable strategies and objectives.

Social Commitment

At BCF, we are actively involved in the areas of culture, society and sports. It is an employer of choice, offering favorable working conditions and encouraging its employees to develop their skills.

Staff

With 532 employees, BCF is one of the largest employers in the Canton. Its physical network of 26 branches ensures that the Bank maintains close ties with its clients.

Youth

BCF is committed to training, investing the necessary resources in the supervision and training of the Bank's apprentices and trainees. In 2023, 20 apprentices and 6 trainees were trained at BCF.

Health and safety at work

BCF is committed to providing favorable working conditions. It takes measures to protect health and safety in the workplace.

Equal pay

BCF is committed to gender-equal pay.

Continuing education

BCF encourages the professional development of its employees by offering continuing education programs that allow employees to develop their skills.

Public transport

BCF supports the purchase of public transportation passes for its employees. Business trips are made by public transport whenever possible.

Suppliers

BCF works with local suppliers whenever possible as a means to contribute to the economic life of the canton. In 2023, 15.2 million francs worth of work and orders were awarded to local SMEs.

Contributions / Taxes

In 2023, BCF played a key role as contributor by paying CHF 85.8 million to the Canton, municipalities and parishes of Fribourg. This amount includes taxes and remuneration for the Canton's guarantee and for the endowment capital, and an extraordinary payment of CHF 19.5 million to the Canton.

Sponsoring

BCF sponsors a number of local associations and events, thereby contributing to the social fabric of the canton. In particular, BCF helps to promote access to quality journalism through our Zeitung in der Schule (ZISCH) initiatives with the Freiburger Nachrichten. In 2023, the amount the Bank spent on sponsorships reached CHF 3.9 million.

Foundation of the Banque Cantonale de Fribourg

The Foundation of the Banque Cantonale de Fribourg, with a capital of 2,25 million francs, was created on the occasion of BCF’s 100th anniversary in 1992. Its purpose is to promote the achievement and development…