Industrial Bank: Leading the Way in Sustainable Development for China's Banking Industry

Recently,Industrial Bank was recognized as the first domestic bank to be included inS&P Global's "Sustainability Yearbook (China Edition) 2024" andwas awarded the title of "Best Progressing Company." This honor highlights the bank's outstanding performance and innovative spirit insustainable development. As a pioneer in this field, Industrial Bank actively explores the integration of Chinese characteristics and international standardsin ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) practices. Its ESG rating has improved from A to AA, making it the only bank with the highest industry rating for five consecutive years.

Over the past fewyears, Industrial Bank has strengthened its corporate governance and strategic management by embedding ESG principles into its development strategy. In 2023,the bank formulated an "ESG Policy" that covers customer base optimization, green financial asset construction, and green banking product innovation, promoting comprehensive growth in sustainable financial business.By the end of 2023, the bank's green financing balance reached 1.89 trillion yuan, with green loan balances amounting to 809.019 billion yuan, effectively supporting green projects and achieving an annual saving of 9.52 million tons of standard coal and a reduction of 22.92 million tons of carbon dioxideemissions.

Moreover, theIndustrial Bank actively responds to the United Nations Framework Convention onClimate Change by setting its carbon neutrality goals and roadmap, advancinggreen operations, and supporting biodiversity-friendly projects such as nature conservation and ecological restoration. By increasing financial support forrural areas, technological innovation, and small and micro enterprises, thebank enhances the accessibility and coverage of financial services,demonstrating its active contribution to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

S&P Global'sannual "Sustainability Yearbook" aims to identify and commend companies that showcase sustainable development advantages in their respectiveindustries, providing a benchmarking platform for enterprises against localpeers. This recognition reflects Industrial Bank's leading position insustainable finance and offers insights and references for other companies, drivingthe entire industry towards sustainable development goals.