Case study: How HPB works with its clients and customers to encourage sustainable practices
With a network of 64 branches (centres) and 6 regional offices, HPB is accessible to clients across Croatia. Through its own branches and the ‘Bank in the Post Office’ initiative, HPB continuously expands its reach and, in partnership with Pošta, has become the largest distribution channel for essential banking products and services, available even in the most remote locations throughout the country. HPB is a signatory of the Principles for Responsible Banking (PRB) and is, accordingly, working with its clients and customers to encourage sustainable practices and enable sustainable economic activities. Tweet This!
This case study is based on the 2024 Sustainability Report by HPB prepared in relation to its implementation of the PRB, that can be found at this link. Through all case studies we aim to demonstrate what ESG/ sustainability reporting done responsibly means. Essentially, it means: a) identifying a company’s most important impacts on the environment, economy and society, and b) measuring, managing and changing.
Which Principles for Responsible Banking have been addressed?
The Principles for Responsible Banking addressed in this case are:
-
-
- Principle 3: Clients and Customers
- Principle 4: Stakeholders
-
Subscribe for free and read the rest of this case study
Please subscribe to the SustainCase Newsletter to keep up to date with the latest sustainability news and gain access to over 2000 case studies. These case studies demonstrate how companies are dealing responsibly with their most important impacts, building trust with their stakeholders (Identify > Measure > Manage > Change).
With this case study you will see:
-
-
- How HPB proceeded with stakeholder identification and consultation, and
- How HPB worked with its clients and customers to encourage sustainable practices and enable sustainable economic activities
-
Already Subscribed? Type your email below and click submit
Stakeholder identification and consultation
Please describe which stakeholders (or groups/ types of stakeholders) you have identified, consulted, engaged, collaborated or partnered with for the purpose of implementing the Principles and improving your bank’s impacts. This should include a high-level overview of how your bank has identified relevant stakeholders, what issues were addressed/results achieved and how they fed into the action planning process.
HPB believes that genuine progress is achieved through collaboration. By proactively engaging with its stakeholders, HPB aims to reach shared sustainability objectives and foster partnerships that create meaningful change. Transparency, open dialogue, and ongoing engagement are fundamental to its approach. HPB dedicates significant resources to communication, joint initiatives, and sustainability reporting to keep its stakeholders and clients well-informed and actively involved.
By understanding the expectations, needs, and perspectives of those it collaborates with, HPB can better identify key impacts, address challenges, and capitalize on opportunities. Through active listening and responsive action, HPB not only builds trust but also transforms engagement into a strategic advantage for sustainable, long-term growth.
How did HPB work with its clients and customers to encourage sustainable practices and enable sustainable economic activities?
In its 2024 Sustainability Report HPB reports that it works with its clients and customers to encourage sustainable practices and enable sustainable economic activities as follows:
HPB views its clients as partners in the journey toward a more sustainable future. With a responsible and forward-looking approach, HPB actively encourages them to incorporate sustainability into their operations by providing customized financial solutions that promote energy efficiency, environmental protection, innovation, and the development of sustainable technologies. In collaboration with both national and international institutions, HPB offers preferential financing options for sustainable projects, guiding its clients toward financial instruments that support environmentally and socially responsible business practices.
Beyond providing financing, HPB is dedicated to empowering its clients with knowledge. Through various communication channels, HPB keeps them informed about regulatory updates, emerging requirements, and best practices in sustainability. Raising awareness is essential, as it enables businesses to understand the impact of their decisions and become proactive agents of positive change.
In 2024, HPB introduced the ESG Questionnaire—a key tool designed to help clients assess their sustainability performance and align their operations with ESG criteria. This initiative underscores HPB’s shared commitment to responsible banking and creating long-term value.
UN Principles for Responsible Banking: Accelerating a positive global transition for people and the planet
With over 300 signatory banks representing almost half of the global banking industry, the Principles for Responsible Banking are the world’s foremost sustainable banking framework. Through these Principles, the banking community takes action to align core strategies, decision-making, lending and investment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and international agreements such as the Paris Climate Agreement.
FBRH Principles for Responsible Banking (PRB) Assurance:
First class PRB assurance services: The result of solid, hands-on ESG/ Sustainability experience
-
-
- FBRH is a GRI Certified Training Partner (Global), ISEP Training Centre and a member of CPD.
- FBRH builds trust. Over 200 reviews from top professionals from around the world demonstrate our ability to build strong, trusting business relationships.
- FBRH possesses a unique skill set that combines ESG/sustainability certified training, experience in advisory services and report preparation, and ESG/sustainability report assurance.
-
The combination of all the above empowers FBRH to provide first class Principles for Responsible Banking (PRB) assurance services.
References:
This case study is based on published information by HPB, located at the link below. For the sake of readability, we did not use brackets or ellipses. However, we made sure that the extra or missing words did not change the report’s meaning. If you would like to quote these written sources from the original please revert to the following link:
https://www.hpb.hr/UserDocsImages/Financijska-izvjesca/Annual Report – 31.12.2024.pdf?vel=9113360
Note to HPB: With each case study we send out an email requesting a comment on this case study. If you have not received such an email please contact us.