The case for an environmental management system

Competence and responsibility

We believe that our competence in environmental management as well as the seriousness with which we take our responsibilities -- both to society and the environment -- enhances our reputation of being a responsible corporate citizen. This strengthens our ability to attract and retain talent, and to be an employer of choice.

Furthermore, we believe the "environmental factor" also has an effect on different value drivers:

Invested assets / Net new money
UBS's competence in the analysis of environmental and social factors can be an important element when competing for new mandates in the asset and wealth management businesses and is also a factor in retaining existing portfolios.

Impaired loans / Reduced provisioning requirements
Paying constant attention to the environmental risks involved in lending and investment banking can help lower the need for subsequent provisions.

Cost / income ratio
Investments in in-house ecology increase eco-efficiency. As well as improving environmental performance by using fewer resources and lowering emissions, they can also reduce the company's costs.