UBS is passing on the money that it receives in Swiss CO2 tax rebates to its clients. The firm is supporting its corporate clients that have an energy management assessment by the Swiss Energy Agency Private Sector and that implement sustainable measures that contribute towards enhancing energy efficiency, thereby reducing operating costs.

 

Zurich/Basel, 21 March 2013 – UBS is passing on the money it receives from the Swiss government from CO2 tax rebates to its clients. It is doing so by supporting the energy efficiency of small and medium-sized business clients (SMEs) that have an energy “check-up” carried out by the Swiss Energy Agency Private Sector (EnAW).

EnAW is offering Swiss companies two energy management models based on the size of their business. It identifies potential energy savings for companies and proposes efficiency measures. UBS is supporting the EnAW’s “SME model”, designed for SMEs in all industries with annual energy costs of up to CHF 1 million and CO2 emissions of less than 1,500 tons.

For its small and medium-sized business clients, UBS is contributing 50% of the cost of participating in the EnAW’s “SME model” for the first year. The firm is also rewarding its SME clients for their energy-saving measures with an energy efficiency bonus of CHF 2,000 to CHF 5,000.

Cash bonus for private mortgage borrowers who undertake sustainable home renovations

Since 2010, UBS has been assisting its private mortgage borrowers who want to undertake sustainable home renovations for owner-occupied homes by granting them a cash bonus. Depending on how much the energy certification of the building improves following the renovation work, the cash bonus can vary between CHF 2,500 and CHF 8,500 per borrower. The cash bonus is awarded on the basis of a cantonal energy certificate for buildings (GEAK) as well as a cost estimate for the renovation project.

By passing the CO2 tax rebate onto its clients, UBS aims to offer its clients in Switzerland solutions for implementing and financing improved energy efficiency and, in the process, to contribute actively towards reducing CO2 emissions in Switzerland.

Investment opportunity for institutional investors in the field of renewable energy

Since January 2013, UBS has offered institutional investors access for the first time to a diversified portfolio of infrastructure investments and companies in the field of renewable energy and energy efficiency in Switzerland through the UBS Clean Energy Infrastructure Switzerland investment fund. To identify projects, UBS has entered into partnership with the investment advisor Fontavis. Initial capital commitments of CHF 250 million have already been received. The fund will continue to accept capital commitments in 2013.

New issue of “UBS Outlook Energy”

The strategic realignment in Swiss energy policy is making the country’s energy supply a hot topic. Technologically, economically and politically, the challenges of energy reform are immense in every respect. What can Swiss industry do to remain competitive, despite likely increases in electricity prices and major capital spending to boost energy efficiency? In a new issue of UBS Outlook Energy, UBS experts consider the topic from various perspectives and present possible scenarios.

Further reduction in CO2 emissions at UBS

UBS has consistently pushed for high energy efficiency in its own buildings for many years. Through a range of measures, UBS has significantly increased the energy efficiency of its own buildings, reducing group CO2 emissions to 40% below the 2004 level. UBS has maintained this strategy consistently and aims to reduce its operating CO2 emissions by a further 15% by 2016. In addition, UBS obtains 100% of its electricity in Switzerland from renewable energy.

UBS’s commitment to climate protection

Climate change is one of the most important challenges of our time. The major ecological and social challenges,that the world faces, such as population growth, energy security, loss of biodiversity, and access to drinking water and food, are all closely connected with climate change. This makes the transition to a CO2-constrained economy essential. UBS recognizes that financial institutions are increasingly being called on to play a key role in the transition to a CO2-constrained economy, and is resolved to prepare its clients for success in a CO2-constrained world.

The CDP, the biggest sustainability initiative by institutional investors, and one of the most important corporate rating systems for sustainability, has rated UBS among the 10 best corporations worldwide and the leader in the banking sector.

UBS environmental program

UBS is committed to protecting the environment across all of its business activities. Its environmental policy establishes principles and responsibilities for dealing with environmental questions, and is aimed at helping create long-term value for the firm and its stakeholders. UBS identifies and manages environmental risks, and seeks to minimize the negative impact of its operations on the environment. UBS also offers its clients a range of financial products and services concerned that aim to address various ecological and social issues.

Full information on UBS's commitment to energy efficiency and sustainability:

www.ubs.com/energie

www.ubs.com/environment

UBS AG

Media contact Switzerland:   +41-44-234 85 00

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