Materiality analysis
Which sustainability issues are particularly relevant for Commerzbank?
What do we mean by materiality?
In order to contribute to sustainable development, companies must understand what impact their business activities have on the environment and society. We assess this impact in a materiality analysis. In doing so, we consider potential and actual, positive and negative impacts that arise or can arise either directly or indirectly through the company.
In Europe, the concept of "double materiality" proposed by the EU Commission has gained acceptance. In addition to the company's impact on people and the environment (referred to as "inside-out”) this concept also focuses on the business relevance of the identified issues. In other words: what opportunities and risks arise for the company from issues such as climate change (referred to as "outside-in"). The results of the materiality analysis also serve as the basis for sustainability reporting.
In 2023 (respectively 2024), we carried out a materiality analysis according to the new requirements of the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). It forms the basis for our CSRD-reporting of the financial year 2024.
3 steps, Our approach
Impact on environment and society
Using company data and economic models, we identify the key sustainability hotspots along the value chain.
Business relevance of the identified topics
We then assess the business- and company-related opportunities and risks in the defined topic areas, involving our stakeholders in the process.
Reporting
The material topics form the basis for our sustainability reports such as the annual GRI report or our non-financial report within the annual report.