The Bank's Projects Directorate (PJ) - with about 90 engineers and economists - brings together cross-sectoral and cross-regional experience and knowledge in order to advise on the Bank's environmental and social work. In addition to work on individual projects, there are a number of environmental and social dedicated teams.
- At the centre of the environmental and social structure is the Environment and Social Office (ESO). ESO acts as an EIB-wide source of expertise on environmental and social matters. Working closely with other institutions, in particular with the European Commission, as well as with governmental and non-governmental organisations, ESO develops policies, procedures and guidelines, provides training, and disseminates information to the rest of the EIB.
ESO chairs three specialised Working Groups, which have been created for technical discussion and debate, in order to help achieve its purposes.
- The Environmental Assessment Group (ENVAG) consists of environmental experts from the sectors in which PJ operates, as well as staff members from other Directorates within the Bank. The main function of ENVAG is to provide a source of advice on environmental matters to the PJ project team throughout the project cycle and ENVAG reviews the environmental aspects of PJ Reports.
- The Social Working Group (SWG) provides guidance to ESO on strategic issues regarding social development policy, its implementation and internal training.
- The Climate Working Group (CWG) provides advice on ways and tools to efficiently integrate mitigation and adaptation into EIB projects, assists on building a climate change strategy, and organises specific training to staff.
- 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.
Environmental protection is also within the remit of one Vice-President in the Bank's Management Committee.
