pbb Deutsche Pfandbriefbank promotes biodiversity in the Ammergau Alps Nature Park

The sustainability strategy of pbb Deutsche Pfandbriefbank

Deutsche Pfandbriefbank (pbb) is one of Europe’s leading specialist banks for commercial real estate finance. Its focus lies on investment financing in Germany and other core European markets, including the UK, eligible for covered bonds. In addition to office, retail, logistics, hotel, and residential properties, pbb is increasingly financing future segments such as data centres, serviced living, and senior living.

Banks play a crucial role in financing sustainable solutions. They determine which properties are supported and where capital is allocated. pbb recognises this responsibility and sees itself as a partner in driving the real estate industry’s transition toward greater sustainability.

As part of its sustainability strategy, pbb supports sustainable projects, buildings, and investments with clearly defined criteria for financed assets and a green loan framework. Since 2022, the group has been a member of the UN Global Compact. 
pbb is committed to the Paris Climate Agreement and is working to align both its loan portfolios and operations with its objectives.

pbb reduces emissions and supports regional nature conservation

As a specialist bank for commercial real estate finance, pbb faces the challenge of integrating sustainability into its business operations. This involves addressing not only climate-related issues but also environmental and social factors. The goal is to not only encourage clients to act sustainably but also to lead by example. To achieve this, the group calculates its own carbon footprint and continuously reduces it through energy-saving measures, renewable energy, and optimised workflows.

To take responsibility for its emissions, pbb supports climate and nature conservation projects. Since the partnership with ClimatePartner began in 2019, the group has primarily financed regional nature conservation efforts, including afforestation, soil regeneration through sustainable agriculture, and mountain forest restoration projects in Germany.

Since 2024, pbb began financing a nature conservation project in the Ammergau Alps Nature Park as a contribution to biodiversity. The alpine meadows in this area are among the most species-rich in Europe. The project aims to preserve these meadows, restore peatlands, and restore natural river landscapes.

A key priority for pbb was to actively involve its employees: through dedicated volunteer days, employees were able to visit the site, learn about the project, and participate hands-on, making nature conservation a personal experience.

Tangible results: Making conservation visible

pbb’s commitment is already showing clear results:

• Biodiversity: During the volunteer days, pbb employees helped maintain mountain meadows, assisted with mowing, and prevented overgrowth by unwanted shrubs. These efforts contribute to preserving local biodiversity. Insects, butterflies, and the black grouse particularly benefit from these measures.
• Knowledge: Through their participation, pbb employees learned about the region’s rich biodiversity and the importance of protecting alpine ecosystems. They bring this knowledge back into the company, grow together as a team, and raise awareness for regional conservation.
• Regional impact: pbb’s commitment serves as a model for other companies in the real estate sector, demonstrating how businesses can actively contribute to preserving nature.

Voices from practice

“Sustainability is not an add-on for us; it is an integral part of our business. Through the project in the Ammergau Alps Nature Park, we are sending a strong signal for effective, regional environmental protection and climate action together with ClimatePartner – one that our employees can experience and help shape on site.”

— Dr. Pamela Hoerr, Member of the Management Board, Real Estate Investment Solutions, pbb Deutsche Pfandbriefbank