GREEN MATTERS
ABN AMRO banks award from World Environment Center
PHOTOS BY KYLE SAMPERTON
In early summer, the World Environment Center presented its 22nd Gold Medal for
International Corporate Achievement in Sustainable Development to ABN AMRO
Bank during a reception at the Dutch Ambassador Boudewijn van Eenennaam's
residence and a gala at the National Building Museum. The recipient, Mr. Rijkman
Groenink, chair of ABN AMRO bank, was interviewed for Washington Life by Elizabeth
Lowery, WEC chair and vice president of energy & water at General Motors.
ELIZABETH LOWERY: ABN AMRO was awarded the WEC Gold Medal for its
groundbreaking work on the Equator Principles (which are a set of financial guidelines for
project financing). Have the Equator Principles helped further ABN AMRO's sustainable
development goals?
RIJKMAN GROENIN: In 2002, when discussion first began about uniform environmental
and social standards for project finance lending in the banking sector, our expectations were
relatively modest. We wanted to improve cooperation on these issues and promote better risk
management. Today, sustainability is a defining feature for ABN AMRO. Our objective is to
create and maximize sustainable value for our clients, shareholders and other stakeholders, and
to use sustainability as a measure of responsible financial services.
EL. How do you see the future of the international banking community's involvement in
sustainable development?
RG: We believe that collaboration and dialogue are the best ways to create sustainable
change within and beyond our industry. We are proud to be affiliated with 40 other financial
institutions that have adopted the Equator Principles. This award is recognition for them and
for the process that we are all going through in integrating environmental and social issues into
our lending practices. In particular, I would like to pay tribute to the three banks we worked
closely with in formulating the Equator Principles: Barclays, Citigroup and WestLB; and to
recognize the valuable assistance from the International Finance Corporation.
EL: How does ABN AMRO view receiving this award?
RG: While we are sincerely grateful for this award, we know that there remain many challenges
and opportunities in integrating sustainability as a core business value. It will inspire us to
continue working for better outcomes for our clients and society in a changing world
|
