Appetite for sustainability
In 2010, ING’s sustainable portfolios grew across all business activities. This reflects our consistent pursuit of financial targets based on sound business ethics and sustainable business priorities. This is particularly true of our involvement in renewable energy projects, which has grown exponentially from 2005 to 2010. At the end of 2010, the volume of power generation projects financed by ING was EUR 3.3 billion. Approximately 29% of our energy portfolio was in renewable power generation, amounting to EUR 1 billion.
The business case for sustainability
Research teams within ING explore the business case for ING and its customers to engage in environmental and social solutions. In 2010, the equity markets team of analysts released ‘The Third Industrial Revolution’, a report about the growing scarcity of natural resources and environmental degradation of the planet. The report concluded that Multi Committed Companies – those who are committed to more than just the bottom line - can benefit in an era in which governments and consumers are unable to take the lead.
Later in the year, the ING Economic Bureau followed up with a report titled ‘From Waste to Profit’, presenting an outlook on waste production, investments and the suitability of leasing as a means of finance. ING Lease Netherlands used the report to identify business opportunities to expand its portfolio. Several other reports through the year researched different sectors, from the business case for sustainable fishery to sustainability in supermarkets. These reports help us and our customers make informed decisions about investing in sustainable businesses.