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A guide to our standards
With our involvement, we are actively working to establish and disseminate international environmental, social and corporate governance standards. That includes carrying out careful environmental and social reviews and closely tracking the implementation of any action plans contractually agreed by the businesses. This task is undertaken by a team of DEG's own experienced specialists, supported by outside experts. They secure that our project companies safeguard human rights, offer good labour practices and that projects are implemented in an environmentally friendly manner. Here you will find information about our way of working and about the guidelines we adhere to.
DEG-Exclusion-List
The Harmonized EDFI-DEG-Exclusion List lists activities and areas in which DEG does not invest as a matter of principle.
DEG's environmental and social guidelines
DEG's environmental and social guidelines define the basis of the environmental and social compatibility of DEG’s business activities.
Corporate Governance
We work together closely with our clients to promote good corporate governance. Key issues are the rights and equitable treatment of shareholders and other stakeholders, internal control environment and processes, disclosure and transparency, and the Board of Director.
EDFI Statement on Climate and Energy Finance
As a member institution of EDFI (Association of European Development Finance Institutions) we are committed to phasing out fossil fuels and mobilising private-sector climate finance, aligned with the Paris Agreement and high disclosure standards (TCFD).
Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative
KfW Bankengruppe - represented by DEG - has been supporter of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) since April 2010. EITI is a voluntary coalition of governments, companies, industry associations and representatives of civil society, aimed at ensuring the accountable payment of revenue from raw materials extraction into the national budgets of the respective resource-rich developing countries and its use for sustainable development.
IFC Performance Standards
In all its financing activities, DEG applies the IFC Performance Standards, including the relevant guidelines on "Environmental, Health and Safety" as well as the ILO standards. The IFC Performance Standards developed by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) are the most widely used assessment standard in international development financing. The standards were revised in 2012 and since then they have also included extensive human rights aspects which are embedded in all eight Performance Standards.
ILO Core Labour Standards
In all its investments, DEG checks that workers’ rights are being observed – for instance, whether working hours and safety standards meet the requirements of the International Labour Organization (ILO).
Declaration of human rights
The "Policy Statement of KfW and its Subsidiaries on Human Rights and its Human Rights Strategy" has replaced KfW Group’s Human Rights Declaration that has been in place since 2008. The document reflects the increased demands of KfW's internal and external stakeholders as well as the requirements of the German Supply Chain Due Diligence Act.
Operating Principles for Impact Management
The "Operating Principles for Impact Management" provide a uniform standard for the management of impact investments, i.e. investments that achieve social or ecological effects in addition to financial returns. Each signatory is required to publish an annual disclosure statement in which they describe how each principle is incorporated into its investment process and the extent of its alignment with each principle.
DEG Disclosure Statement 2023
Operating Principles for Impact Management
Blue Mark Verifier statement 2021
