Responsible banking for
a sustainable future
One of the cornerstones of the Rabobank Group Strategic Framework is a high-
quality policy for corporate social responsibility. Within this scope, Rabobank
continued to develop their CSR policy and activities in 2008. Rabobank's efforts
included cascading social responsibility and sustainability through their financial
services offering. Four central themes were defined for the CSR activities of the
Rabobank Group that come with specific performance indicators. Making clear
CSR choices, defining themes and all such related matters bolster Rabobank's
stability and boost their cooperative profile.
www. ra boba n k.co m/csr
High-quality CSR policy is a strategic choice
Pursuing a high-quality CSR policy is an explicit strategic choice for the Rabobank. The Rabobank aspires
to be among the Top 3 of sustainable banks globally. The Rabobank has fleshed out their policy based
on four central themes, which are aimed at farther-reaching integration of CSR into their day-to-day
financial services provision. The Rabobank takes a proactive approach to issues that affect their CSR
performance. The Rabobank seek dialogue with their stakeholders on matters impacting the Rabobank
or issues that they can influence. This is one of the unique selling points of the Rabobank.
Focus on four central CSR themes
Rabobank Group defined four central themes in 2008 in order to give further body to the strategic
choice for a high-quality CSR policy: introducing sustainability to food agri chains, encouraging new
production methods and renewable energy sources, promoting economic participation and diversity,
and fostering social cohesion and solidarity.These themes are a logical progression from Rabobank's
roots in society and are in keeping with our core values of integrity, respect, professionalism and
sustainability, which lie at the base of the Rabobank Group Code of Conduct. The themes have also
been linked up to key social trends and market developments.The trends that Rabobank has identified,
partly based on talks with stakeholders, include: commodity shortages, climate change, food security, a
higher standard of living, ageing and urbanisation, and increased pressure from special-interest groups.
Market developments that affect CSR policy are confidence in the financial sector, oversight, transparency
of services, duty of care, the 24-hour economy, and independent, assertive and critical clients.
Introducing sustainability to food agri chains
Rabobank Group aims to introduce sustainability to food agri chains by applying the five Food
Agribusiness Principles: adequate and safe food production, sustainable use of natural resources, a
responsible society where public welfare is key, ethical treatment of animals, and awareness among
consumers and citizens.
Encouraging new production methods and renewable energy sources
Rabobank Group seeks to innovate production methods and develop and use renewable energy
sources, thereby placing less of a burden on the natural resources of future generations. As we run
Rabobank Group as a responsible business, we also want our own business processes to fall into line
with this. All core activities should be marked by this theme, which is also at the innovative heart of all
financial services that we provide to our clients. Examples are found in the areas of cleantech,
sustainable building, sustainable mobility, and socially responsible investment and asset management.
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Report of the Executive Board
