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.

Stakeholder dialogue allows Fana Sparebank to prioritize and identify key focus areas for engagement. Throughout 2023, the main emphasis was placed on Key Resources, with the goal of increasing employee engagement and fostering a sense of ownership of initiatives within the organization.

Key Resources – Engage (High influence and high interest)
These stakeholders have both significant influence and strong interest in using it. Fana Sparebank aims to satisfy and actively involve them in its work.

• The board of directors, management, employees, subsidiaries, suppliers, and customers

Satisfy (High influence and low interest)
These stakeholders hold considerable influence but have limited interest in using it. It is important for Fana Sparebank to ensure their needs are met in relation to projects.

• Authorities, rating agencies and analysts, capital markets and stock exchanges, industry groups, and NGOs

Keep informed (Low influence and high interest)
These stakeholders are interested in the bank’s activities but have limited influence. They may provide valuable insights and should be kept informed about relevant developments.

• The local community, media, educational institutions, and research organizations.

Fana Sparebank also maintains open communication and actively participates in various networks with other stakeholders, including competitors and similar independent savings banks, to share experiences and collaborate.

How does Fana Sparebank promote a culture of responsible banking among its employees?

In its 2025 PRB Reporting and Self-Assessment Template Fana Sparebank reports that it took the following actions to promote a culture of responsible banking among its employees:

Fana Sparebank employs a full-time sustainability officer and has established a sustainability group consisting of staff from various departments and disciplines. Additionally, there are sustainability committees at the departmental level to engage employees, promote involvement, and coordinate sustainability-related activities.

The sustainability group oversees the progress of implementing the bank’s sustainability strategy and reports to the management team.

Employee-led initiatives have prompted Fana Sparebank to take steps that exemplify future expectations, such as certifying the bank as an Eco-Lighthouse (Norwegian: “Miljøfyrtårn”), promoting the use of public transportation for work travel, introducing a weekly meat-free day in the cafeteria, installing beehives on the roof of Fana Sparebank’s headquarters, and participating in an annual shoreline clean-up of a nearby lake.

To further boost engagement, the initiative Bærekraftsskolen (Sustainability School) has been established, aiming to enhance ESG competencies among all employees. A strategy for ESG training has been developed, incorporating a mix of e-learning, workshops, and presentations on sustainability topics.

 

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 Fana Sparebank, 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.fanasparebank.no/0615cf605cc2478f86d840075db205c6

Note to Fana Sparebank: 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.

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.

Stakeholder dialogue allows Fana Sparebank to prioritize and gain valuable insights into the areas where the bank should focus its efforts. Throughout 2023, the primary emphasis was on key resources, with the goal of boosting employee engagement and fostering a sense of ownership over organizational initiatives.

Key Resources – Engage (High influence and high interest)
These stakeholders wield significant influence and have a strong interest in utilizing it. They should be kept satisfied and actively involved in the bank’s initiatives.
• The board of directors, management, employees, subsidiaries, suppliers, and customers

Satisfy (High influence and low interest)
While these stakeholders have considerable influence, they have little interest in using it.  It is important to meet their expectations and keep them satisfied during the project.
• Authorities, rating agencies and analysts, capital markets and stock exchange, industry groups, and NGOs

Keep Informed (Low influence and high interest)
These stakeholders are interested in the bank’s activities but have limited influence. They may offer useful insights and should be kept informed.
• The local community, media, educational institutions, and research organizations

Fana Sparebank maintains open communication channels and actively participates in various networks with other stakeholders, including competitors and similar independent savings banks, to share experiences and insights.

How did Fana Sparebank identify and work on strategic business opportunities to increase positive and reduce negative impacts?

In its 2025 PRB Reporting and Self-Assessment Template Fana Sparebank reports that it identified and worked on strategic business opportunities to increase positive and reduce negative impacts as follows:

Strategic Business Opportunities and Sustainable Product Innovations
Fana Sparebank has strategically positioned itself to both reduce environmental impacts and capitalize on business opportunities that advance sustainability. Its strategy focuses on developing and improving financial products and services that foster environmental responsibility and social commitment, aligning closely with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Green Savings and Deposits:
Since 2016, Fana Sparebank’s Green Savings account initiative—aligned with the Green Bond Principles established by the International Capital Market Association (ICMA)—has marked a pioneering effort to embed sustainability into its banking practices. In 2020, Fana Sparebank expanded this initiative to include all current and savings accounts for clients under 18, further integrating these efforts within its wider Green Finance Framework.

Green Mortgages:
In 2020, Fana Sparebank strengthened its commitment to sustainable finance by launching Green Mortgages. These mortgages are offered at its most competitive interest rates to support home improvements that achieve an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of ‘A’ or ‘B’. The initiative also extends to commercial real estate, rewarding properties with classifications such as BREEAM Outstanding or Excellent, thereby encouraging higher energy efficiency and sustainability standards in both residential and commercial property sectors.

Future Initiatives and Impact Focus:
Fana Sparebank is proud to introduce new green product offerings designed to encourage investments in energy efficiency technologies for both retail and corporate clients. These loans will be available for projects that can demonstrate energy efficiency improvements of 30% or more. These upcoming products aim to further minimize environmental impacts while maximizing positive social outcomes.

Value and Impact Measurement:
Since their launch, Fana Sparebank’s green financial products have provided its customers with sustainable investment and savings options. Green Deposits and Mortgages directly contribute to several SDGs, including SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 13 (Climate Action), by promoting greater financial inclusion in sustainable economic activities and supporting investments in energy efficiency and renewable energy.

Through these targeted products and services, Fana Sparebank is not only seizing strategic business opportunities but also reaffirming its dedication to sustainability and responsible banking principles. Fana Sparebank remains committed to expanding its green finance offerings and enhancing their impact, contributing to a more sustainable and equitable future.

 

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 Fana Sparebank, 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.fanasparebank.no/siteassets/dokumenter/rapporter/fana-sparebank/fns-klimainitiativ/prb-reporting-and-self-assessment-2025.pdf

Note to Fana Sparebank: 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.

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.

Engaging with stakeholders allows Fana Sparebank to prioritize and gain insights into the key areas the bank should focus on. In 2023, Fana Sparebank’s main focus has been on Key Resources, with the goal of enhancing employee engagement and ownership of initiatives within the organization.

Key Resources – Engage (High influence and high interest)

These stakeholders have both great influence and great interest in using it. They should be kept satisfied and engaged.

• The board of directors, management, employees, subsidiaries, suppliers, and customers

Satisfy (High influence and low interest)

These stakeholders have significant influence but little interest in using it. It is essential to keep them satisfied.

• Authorities, rating agencies and analysts, capital markets and stock exchanges, industry associations, and NGOs

Keep Informed (Low influence and high interest)

These stakeholders are interested but have little influence. They can provide valuable information and should be kept informed.

• The local community, media, educational institutions, and research organizations

Fana Sparebank also maintains open communication and participates in various networks with other stakeholders, including competitors and similar independent savings banks, to share experiences.

How did Fana Sparebank work with its clients and customers to encourage sustainable practices and enable sustainable economic activities?

In its 2024 PRB Reporting and Self-Assessment Template Fana Sparebank reports that it works with its clients and customers to encourage sustainable practices and enable sustainable economic activities as follows:

Fana Sparebank is fully dedicated to promoting sustainability and incorporating ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles into its core banking operations. Fana Sparebank’s engagement with both retail and corporate clients and customers is structured to encourage and support sustainable practices, contributing to a more sustainable economic future.

Retail Customer Engagement:

Fana Sparebank’s strategy for retail customers integrates sustainability into its product offerings, with a particular emphasis on its green product lines. For example, through the green deposits program, Fana Sparebank provides customers with a lower interest rate, and the difference from standard rates is allocated as a “Green Bonus.” The bank matches this amount and donates it to sustainability-focused organizations. This innovative approach actively involves customers in the decision-making process, as they vote annually on the beneficiary organizations. This engagement fosters greater community involvement in sustainability efforts and raises environmental awareness among clients.

Corporate Client Engagement:

In 2021, Fana Sparebank launched an ESG risk query, a comprehensive tool essential to its commercial lending process. It enables detailed ESG screenings and analyses, aimed at identifying and mitigating potential ESG-related risks within Fana Sparebank’s lending portfolio. This tool also serves as a vital platform for discussions with Fana Sparebank’s corporate clients about sustainability. The ESG risk query sets out Fana Sparebank’s expectations for sustainable practices and aids in collecting climate-related data from clients, enhancing Fana Sparebank’s understanding of their sustainability profiles and encouraging them to adopt more sustainable operational practices.

Future Plans and Impact:

Looking forward, Fana Sparebank is committed to advancing these initiatives. Fana Sparebank plans to refine its ESG risk query to gather more detailed climate impact data from its corporate clients. This will enhance its risk assessment capabilities and assist clients in tracking and managing their own sustainability performance. Additionally, Fana Sparebank is exploring the expansion of its green product offerings to further incentivize sustainable choices among both retail and corporate clients.

Through these efforts, Fana Sparebank aims to lead by example in the banking industry, demonstrating that financial institutions can play a crucial role in promoting sustainability and supporting the transition to a more sustainable economy. Fana Sparebank believes that through continued engagement, innovation, and collaboration with its clients and customers it can significantly positively impact the environment and society.

 

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 Fana Sparebank, 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.fanasparebank.no/siteassets/dokumenter/rapporter/fana-sparebank/fns-klimainitiativ/prb-reporting-and-self-assessment-template_2024.pdf

Note to Fana Sparebank: 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.