Sustainability Report - Rapport de durabilité

Sustainable development: highlights

Responsible investment

As a member of the Swiss Bankers Association (SBA), BCF is committed to implementing the Guidelines for Financial Service Providers on the Integration of ESG Preferences and ESG Risks and the Prevention of Greenwashing in Investment Advice and Portfolio Management in accordance with the requirements that will apply after the current transition periods.

Equality

BCF offers modern and flexible working models and schedules. Positions are advertised for both part-time and full-time employees. The Fair-ON-Pay Advanced certificate, confirmed in 2024, certifies that BCF offers equal pay for equal work, regardless of gender.

Impactful investments

BCF invests in Carbon Fri projects and thus receives its label. As a founding member of the Carbon Fri Foundation, the Bank actively supports initiatives to protect the environment, thereby helping to maintain jobs in the canton of Fribourg.

Financing energy efficiency

Since 2021, BCF has been offering the "Eco Mortgage" and "Eco Renovation Mortgage" products to encourage compliance with current energy standards. As a member of the Swiss Bankers Association (SBA), BCF is also committed to applying the Guidelines for Mortgage Providers on the Promotion of Energy Efficiency. In 2024, BCF voluntarily participated in the PACTA Climate Test, which enabled the Bank to assess the energy consumption of its mortgage portfolio and global equity and corporate bond portfolios. The test results show that BCF's mortgage portfolio emissions are lower than the average for other participating banks overall.

Education

In 2024, 20 apprentices and 5 trainees were employed at BCF. All employees participated in the internal training program. By focusing on ongoing training, the Bank ensures a high level of competence and professionalism.

Sponsorship, work and orders for SMEs

In 2024, BCF contributed CHF 4.2 million to the development of culture, sport and education. It also invested CHF 13.4 million in work and orders for SMEs in the region

Chairmen's message

A bank with a concrete commitment

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Sustainability at the heart of our strategy

Since the publication of its first Sustainability Report (SR) in 2021, Banque Cantonale de Fribourg has been firmly committed to integrating ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) principles into all its activities.

Focus on ESG products and services

BCF favours long-term partnerships. To this end, it provides services that create added value for its customers and the economy. The Bank is committed to ensuring long-term satisfaction through personalised support, transparent and professional advice, and understandable products presented in clear and accessible language.

A responsible employer

With almost 550 employees, BCF is one of the largest employers in the canton of Fribourg. The workforce is increasing, and the staff turnover rate remains low (4.4%). Personnel expenses amounted to CHF 82.9 million in 2024, which is higher than the previous year’s figure of CHF 81.4 million.

A socially committed bank

BCF is characterised by its close relationship with its customers and its regional roots. It contributes to the strengthening and development of the economy and society.

Towards a corporate ecology

Since 2003, BCF has been actively committed to reducing its CO2 emissions, implementing concrete measures each year to have a positive and measurable impact on its carbon footprint.

History of ESG actions

The environmental transition, whether it involves upgrading buildings, replacing equipment or changing habits, is a process that takes time.

ESG References

To discover the many facets of BCF, its history, activities and commitments.

Key figures

BCF has communicated its data in accordance with GRI standards for the period from 01.01.2024 to 31.12.2024. (GRI Standard 1 Fondation 2021).

Download the data

The GRI index

The GRI index is based on information from the management report and the sustainable development report, which include the main actions in which BCF is involved. In order to facilitate research and information transparency, two microsites have been set up to facilitate electronic searches.

Download the GRI index