-
Participation in sector initiatives
Together with other stakeholders, Rabobank International is actively looking for opportunities
to make commodity value chains more sustainable. Various initiatives and roundtable meetings
were organised to share knowledge and develop principles and criteria for sustainability across
the chain. Within this scope, Rabobank has a representative on the Roundtable for Sustainable
Palm Oil and 2011 was the first year that we were represented on the Board of the Roundtable
for Responsible Soy. The partnership with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) is also in keeping with
creating more sustainable global food and agri chains. The excellent ties between Rabobank
International and the WWF are illustrated in their collaboration in the salmon industry in Chile.
Both Rabobank and WWF have a strong connection with the Chilean aquaculture sector and
are committed to preserving maritime biodiversity in the region. Times are tough in this sector
due, in part, to the ISA virus, a serious fish disease. Sustainability is one of the most important
elements in rebuilding the sector. Rabobank and WWF have joined forces to increase sustainable
practices in the sector. The first meetings with stakeholders were held in 2011The objective
of this project is to support existing, new and potential Rabobank clients by exchanging
knowledge and best practices for sustainability in aquaculture and certification by the
Aquaculture Stewardship Council.The project helps local businesses implement more
sustainable business practices and helps Rabobank offer better client services by increasing
sector knowledge and enhancing account management.
Sustainable food security
In the year under review, Rabobank International explored further options for increasing the
sustainability of food supplies in a report entitled'Rethinking the Food Agri Supply Chain'.
Economic growth and changing diets in developing countries will cause major price increases.
Producing sufficiently safe and high-quality agricultural commodities at acceptable risks and
returns is becoming increasingly difficult. The main changes that are required, have to do with
primary production processes and collaboration in the chain. Rabobank International is active
throughout the food and agri chain, which makes us well-placed to actively support our clients
in implementing the necessary changes.
Financing renewable energy
Renewable Energy Infrastructure Finance (REIF) is Rabobank International's project finance
division. Its key services are advising on, structuring and financing client projects applying
proven technology in the renewable energy and infrastructure sectors. Focus is on wind
energy, solar energy and biomass applications in Europe, the US and Asia.
Project finance worth more than USD 10 million is governed by the Equator Principles.
To monitor compliance with these principles, an independent technical consultant performs
an assessment of the project's social and environmental impact. A risk classification (A, B or C)
is issued based on this assessment. REIF's portfolio does not contain any transactions that have
been classified as A (potentially significant adverse effect). A number of projects have a
B classification (potentially limited adverse effect). The other projects have a C classification
(potentially minimal to no adverse effect).
Project classification using Equator Principles8
A
2011
2010
2009
2008
2007
B
17
13
11
9
11
C
10
11
2
7
Total
27
24
13
16
11
In 2011REIF was involved in a number of large-scale projects. In Europe, REIF participated in
8 The table shows the classification Global Tech I, one of the largest project-financed and most prestigious offshore wind farms
of projects on the basis of the first in the world in terms of distance to the coast, water depth, multi-contract structure and
loans granted, rather than on the technology. The project finance covers both the construction and the operational stages,
assessments performed. The renewable energy project involves installing 80 wind turbines with a total capacity of
39
Strategic Framework Leading food and agri bank at international level
