Specialist ESG information
This page provides a comprehensive overview of frameworks Deutsche Bank is adhering to in the areas of "Environmental", "Social" and "Governance". Plenty of resources are available for download. The following paragraph allows insights into ISO standards, Deutsche Bank upholds in its operations.
Deutsche Bank's governance framework for collecting data on, quantifying, and reporting greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is based on ISO 14064, an internationally recognized standard for GHG reporting. In addition, the bank's energy management system in Germany is certified to ISO 50001; this includes monitoring progress toward energy and cost reduction targets on a monthly and annual basis.
The bank's Information Security Management System has been certified according to ISO 27001 for all information security domains defined in that standard since 2012. To maintain the ISO 27001 certification, the bank performs a full recertification process every three years, with the latest taking place in 2021.
For the area of productivity DIN ISO 30414 recommends the Human Capital Return on Investment (ROI). This metric shows how effectively the investment in human capital is supporting the organization's goal and is calculated based on the ratio of income/ revenue to employment costs.
E - Environmental
Download Sustainable Finance Framework
The Sustainable Finance Framework, introduced in 2020 and updated in 2024, defines the methodology and procedures for classifying transactions and financial products and services as sustainable. It is, where feasible, aligned to the EU taxonomy.
Download Sustainable Instruments Framework
Sustainable Instruments Framework
The purpose of the Sustainable Instruments Framework, which may be updated from time to time, is to have a single, robust methodology in place for the issuance of “use of proceeds”-based sustainable financing instruments, including Green Financing Instruments and Social Financing Instruments. It covers all Sustainable Financing Instruments that can be issued in the form of (covered) bonds, commercial papers (CPs), repurchase agreements (Repos), and deposits. The Framework is an expansion of DB’s Green Financing Framework to include two Social asset categories, Affordable Housing and Essential Services (health & social care), in addition to the existing green categories, Green Buildings, Renewable Energy, Energy Efficiency, Clean Transportation and Information and Communications Technology.
The independent consulting firm Institutional Shareholder Services ESG (ISS ESG) has reviewed the bank’s Sustainable Instruments Framework and results are documented in a Second Party Opinion (SPO), which confirms that the Framework meets the ICMA Green and Social Bond Principles at the time of its publication.
Reporting
In alignment with the voluntary ICMA Green Bond Principles and Social Bond Principles, the bank is committed to publish relevant information and documents regarding our Sustainable Financing Instruments in a dedicated Sustainable Financing Instruments Report, which will be made available on our Investor Relations website on an annual basis. The report is split into two parts – the allocation reporting and the impact reporting.
The most recent Green Financing Instruments Report (based on the previous Green Financing Framework) has received a limited assurance from ISS-ESG, which confirms that the allocation and impact reporting are aligned with the ICMA Harmonised Framework for Impact Reporting.
Download Summary Framework on Environmental and Social Due Diligence
This Summary Framework on Environmental and Social Due Diligence outlines the bank’s approach to manage environmental and social risks – in line with the requirements of Deutsche Bank’s Global Reputational Risk Framework. The Framework includes general requirements for ES due diligence and sector-specific ES provisions.
It defines rules and responsibilities for risk identification, assessment, and decision-making, and specifies the requirements for environmental and social due diligence. It also covers provisions for deal-independent screening and monitoring of companies from an ES perspective.
Download Equator Principles Implementation Report 2021
In July 2020 Deutsche Bank officially adopted the Equator Principles, an internationally recognized risk management framework for determining, assessing, and managing environmental and social (ES) risks in development projects. Although our due diligence of client transactions has long reflected these principles and the underlying IFC Performance Standards, formally adopting and implementing the principles underscores our commitment to managing ES risks in project finance.
More Sustainability Deep Dive 2023
At our Sustainability Deep Dive we invite you to explore different approaches we have developed with our clients around the world. We provide deeper insights from our ESG engine room and explain how we can support our clients on their path to net zero, through sustainable finance, transition expertise and our control framework.
Download Residential Real Estate – Leading to Net Zero
Real estate is one of the most important areas in the fight against climate change. In the European Union, buildings account for around 40% of energy usage and 36% of all greenhouse gas emissions. Residential real estate accounts for a significant proportion of this total, with 119 million residential buildings in Europe, of which nearly 20 million in Germany alone. For nations to fulfil their commitment to net zero emissions by 2050, defining a clear pathway toward greater energy efficiency in real estate is vital.
In-house ecology update
Deutsche Bank is committed to minimizing the environmental impact of its business operations. The bank publishes its GHG emissions (Scope 1, Scope 2 and Scope 3: Category 1 – 14) in its In-house ecology update 2024.
ESG Investments Framework
In 2024, DB also published the ESG Investments Framework which sets out criteria and evaluation processes to report investments as ESG in the context of Deutsche Bank Group’s sustainable finance and ESG investment targets. The ESG Investments Framework complements the bank’s Sustainable Finance Framework. The purpose of the Framework, which may be updated from time to time, is to have a single, consistent methodology in place for the classification of financial instruments and managed portfolios to be reported as Assets under Management (AuM) under the bank’s Targets.
Download Sustainability Statement 2024
The Sustainability Statement 2024 is part of Deutsche Bank’s annual report (p. 190 onwards). It covers the reporting period from January 1, 2024, to December 31, 2024, communicates Deutsche Bank’s group-wide management approaches for a set of non-financial topics, major activities, and the related progress made in 2024. It also describes Deutsche Bank’s related governance, policies, and set-up for these topics.
Data Compendium Data Compendium
The Sustainability Data Compendium comprises sustainability metrics and targets for sustainability topics as included in the Sustainability Statement of Deutsche Bank’s Annual Report, as well as further sustainability topics that Deutsche Bank deems of interest for external stakeholders interested in sustainability topics
UN Principles for Responsible Banking – Responsible Banking Progress Statement 2024 UN Principles for Responsible Banking – Responsible Banking Progress Statement 2024
Since 2019, Deutsche Bank is a signatory of the Principles for Responsible Banking (PRB) and discloses annually an update on this commitment. This disclosure document summarizes the bank’s approach to adhering to the commitment.
S - Social
Download Human Rights Statement
Deutsche Bank’s commitment to respecting human rights is long-standing, having voluntarily endorsed and aligned with international standards along the way. While it remains the governments’ legal obligation to protect against human rights abuses by persons, including businesses, through appropriate policies, legislation, and adjudication, Deutsche Bank acknowledges its corporate responsibility pursuant to the “Protect, Respect and Remedy” framework of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.
Download Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement
Respecting human rights and combatting human trafficking and modern slavery as a global bank is a highly complex subject and requires us to continually broaden our knowledge and review our policies and related due diligence processes. Remaining abreast of the latest insights and developments demands that we proactively and regularly scrutinize our policies and procedures, with input from our stakeholders.
More on CSR Corporate Social Responsibility
We want communities and economies to prosper. Around the world, we apply our global corporate social responsibility strategy to the most relevant local concerns.
We work together with like-minded partners towards this goal. Our people play their part too.
More on DE&I Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
We want communities and economies to prosper. Around the world, we apply our global corporate social responsibility strategy to the most relevant local concerns.
We work together with like-minded partners towards this goal. Our people play their part too.
More Human Capital Report 2022
Our Human Capital Report provides a comprehensive overview of how we create the best possible environment for our people. We comply with highest reporting standards as defined in ISO 30414.
Human Capital Report 2022: 7 – Rewarding performance (PDF) Compensation Strategy and Framework
A fair, transparent and sustainable approach to employee remuneration has always been of crucial importance to the bank.
We continuously refine our compensation framework and practices taking into account the macro environment and new regulatory changes.
G - Governmental
Download Code of Conduct
The impact of the economic crisis has made a long-term change of corporate culture in the financial sector absolutely imperative and cultural change is needed. We understand the message – responsibility has to be the focus of our actions.
Download Supplier Code of Conduct
The purpose of this Supplier Code of Conduct (the “Code”) is to make sure that organisations are aware of these core values and additional standards of behaviour that Deutsche Bank requires and expects its suppliers to conform to when providing goods and services to Deutsche Bank.
Download Supply Chain Due Diligence Act (SCDDA) Statement
Deutsche Bank AG (Deutsche Bank) has a long-standing commitment to respecting human rights and has voluntarily endorsed and aligned with international standards. More details of Deutsche Bank’s commitment can be found in the Deutsche Bank Group’s Statement on Human Rights. Deutsche Bank also maintains an active overview of the human rights performance of the entities within its supply chain.
Download Statement of Intent - Environment, Health and Safety
We are committed to supporting the physical safety and security of our people. You can read the Executive Management Commitment to further developing the bank‘s Environment Health and Safety (EHS) programs across the world.
More Corporate Governance & Compensation Reports
Corporate Governance Statements pursuant to §§ 289f, 315d German Commercial Code (HGB)
Download Sustainable Finance – Governance
Provides an overview of our Supervisory Board including all relevant information.
More Tax strategy
We are here to enable sustainable economic growth and societal progress by generating positive impact for our clients, our people, our investors and our communities.
We achieve this by being a leading European bank with a global reach. We value our German roots and remain committed to our international presence.
More AFC: KYC, AML, Patriot Act
To help fight the funding of terrorism and money laundering activities, Deutsche Bank (US) obtains, verifies, and records information that identifies each person who, and entity that, opens an account with the Firm.
Pursuant to the USA Patriot Act and final rules issued by the U.S. Department of the Treasury, a U.S. bank or a U.S. broker-dealer in securities (a "Covered Financial Institution") is required to obtain certain information from any "Foreign Bank" that maintains a correspondent account with it.
Download Selected memberships and commitments
To underpin its long-standing commitment to sustainability, Deutsche Bank formally endorsed universal sustainability frameworks and initiatives. The bank is a signatory of the Principles for Responsible Banking (2019), a member of the Net-Zero Banking Alliance (2021), a signatory to the ten principles of the UN Global Compact (2000) and committed to the Equator Principles (2020).
California Bill AB 1305 Disclosure – Offsetting Residual CO₂ Emissions California AB 1305 Disclosure
Deutsche Bank has set 2030 goals for decarbonizing its own operations and actively managing carbon emissions across our supply chain. Levers to reduce Scope 1 and 2 as well as Scope 3/category 6 emissions include reducing energy consumption, sourcing more electricity from renewables, reducing emissions from business travel, and addressing residual emissions through the purchase of offsets.
Deutsche Bank has been compensating its carbon footprint from the scopes mentioned above since 2012. As required by California Assembly Bill 1305, see how the 2023 offset portfolio achieves this.
