Organisation

The Bank’s Projects Directorate - with about 80 engineers and economists, all with specialist environmental skills - assesses project environmental and social aspects.

Environmental protection is also within the remit of one Vice-President in the Bank’s Management Committee.

Project teams made up of economists, engineers, financial experts and lawyers bring together cross-sectoral and cross-regional experience and knowledge.

A number of dedicated support units provide direction and advice on the Bank’s environmental policy:

• The Environmental Steering Committee (ENVSC) advises on environmental policy development and complex projects. The committee comprises high-level staff members from the different Directorates within the Bank.
• The Environmental Assessment Group (ENVAG) (10 environmental experts from the sectors in which the Bank operates) reinforces the application of the environmental policies and procedures of the Bank.
• The Sustainable Development Unit (SDU) chairs ENVAG and, in conjunction with ENVSC, develops policy, procedures and guidelines, provides training, disseminates information and works closely with the European Commission, especially DG ENV, other financial institutions and governmental and non-governmental organisations.
• A Centre of Expertise for the Environment and Energy in the Directorate for Lending Operations in Europe develops appropriate financing facilities for environmental lending and reinforces the application of good environmental management practices to all financing activities in Europe. Similar arrangements exist in the Directorate for Lending Operations outside Europe.

The Bank also maintains an extensive professional training and awareness-building programme on environmental and social issues for its staff.