Circular economy: The nexus with environmental and social impact

The United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) through the Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) launched a new project at the end of 2023 entitled "Circular Economy as an enabler to operationalize the nexus between climate, nature, pollution and healthy & inclusive economies (NEXUS)." This project aims to orient the Principles for Responsible Banking (PRB) towards the circular economy, recognizing how the latter can represent a strategic lever for the financial sector to achieve objectives of decarbonisation, restoration of biodiversity, reduction of pollution and support for local economies.

The NEXUS initiative represents a significant step towards integrating the circular economy into responsible banking principles, with the participation of financial institutions from around the world. Intesa Sanpaolo continues to be at the forefront in this area, actively contributing and sharing its best practices for a more sustainable future

In continuity with the previous initiatives in which it participated, Intesa Sanpaolo is among the banks involved in this working table, through the participation of people from the Bank and the Intesa Sanpaolo Innovation Center, together with financial institutions of global importance.

In addition to banks, high-profile organizations such as the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, the Circle Economy Foundation and Bocconi University also actively contribute, with the Green Research Center team, specialized in innovations linked to the circular economy and the three "R" model (Risk-Return-Reputation).

The webinar for the launch of the report and of the collection of best practices

On 18 July, UNEP FI organized the webinar to launch the report "Circular economy: An enabler for responsible banking", in which the "Circular Economy & Climate Nexus" study will also be presented, as well as a collection of banks' best practices participants in the initiative. Intesa Sanpaolo contributed by sharing its point of view and providing two case studies on "Circular Economy in Green and Social Bond" and “Circular Economy Lab”.

For further information, you can consult the 2023 Consolidated Non-financial Statement, the 2023 Green & Social Bond Report and the Group's 2023 Climate Report.

Luigi Riccardo Eugenio - Head of Circular Economy Desk of Intesa Sanpaolo Innovation Center will participate in the webinar.