Banking on sustainability
The 2020 UBS Sustainability Report includes last year’s key achievements and the goals we’ve set ourselves for the future.
Why we get involved
Driving change in the world needs leadership. As one of the world's largest wealth managers, we have a responsibility to take a leading role in shaping a positive future. We're developing new financial products that have positive impact on the environment and society. With partners and clients we're constantly innovating in the field of philanthropy. And we're continuously establishing new standards of doing business sustainably.
Phyllis Costanza
Head UBS in Society and UBS Optimus Foundation
At UBS in Society, we focus on driving change that matters. Our aim is to be a leader in sustainable finance across all client segments, a recognized innovator and thought leader in philanthropy, an industry leader for sustainable business practices and an employer of choice.
What we do
Reshape finance
Innovative financing can be good for society, good for the environment, and give good returns. In fact, we think they all go hand in hand.
Pioneer in philanthropy
We know how to make measurable, scalable and lasting impact.
Support communities
We encourage employees to put their valuable skills to use for entrepreneurship and education.
Manage our actions
We challenge ourselves and our peers to raise the bar, work in sync with each other, and be open about the impact our actions have on society and the environment.
What we have achieved
141 billion
USD in impact and sustainability focused investment, a 154% increase over 20191
100% of electricity
sourced from renewable energy1
3.7 million children
helped by the UBS Optimus Foundation in 20201
519,000
beneficiaries reached through our community investment1
One planet, one future
Our climate strategy supports our clients and our firm to prepare for success in an increasingly carbon-constrained world.
External Recognition
We’re vetted by industry-leading rating agencies to evaluate the performance of our sustainability practices. In 2020, UBS was recognized as an industry leader of the Dow Jones Sustainability Index for the sixth consecutive year.
Travelling through time
1954
Beginnings of UBS Community Affairs at Wealth Management US
1997
First Socially Responsible Investment (SRI) funds2
1999
First bank to obtain ISO 14001 certification for worldwide environmental management system
2006
Introduction of comprehensive climate strategy and start offsetting all CO2 emissions resulting from business air travel. More
2014
Founding UBS in society, a program to further focus us on sustainable performance
2015
Sustainability Industry leader in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index3
World's first Development Impact Bond (DIB) in education launched by UBS Optimus Foundation with "Educate Girls"4
2016
Launching the UBS Oncology Impact Fund, the largest oncology impact investment to date2
2018
First 100% sustainable cross-asset portfolio for private clients2
Reaching 2.8 million children through the UBS Optimus Foundation
2019
Banning project-level financing on new coal-fired power plants
Find out more
How we support the SDGs
Explore the real life stories of how we contributed to the 2030 UN Goals. Simply use the filter options below.
Read our reports
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