United Bulgarian Bank (UBB), part of the KBC Group in Bulgaria, presented in public the consecutive edition of its local non-financial report to society, where the Bank displays the results from its activity in the field of sustainable development for 2025. This document exhibits the initiatives, partnerships and investments of both the Group and the Bank in the sustainable development domain over 2025, including the progress made in the reduction of our own carbon footprint, the efforts for improving employees’ knowledge and culture, partnerships with universities, academic institutions and schools, initiatives in the fields of environment protection, financial literacy, philanthropy, volunteering, community engagement.

Part of the report highlights showcase that 92% of the funding provided by UBB over 2025 to the power engineering sector targets renewable energy projects, including also financing of large solar parks, wind farms and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). The funding of photovoltaic projects of SMEs for own consumption needs already exceeds EUR 100 million, and in 2025 there were 103 new projects financed of total value EUR 45 million. In 2025 the funding of green properties amounted approximately to EUR 300 million, out of which EUR 133 million being mortgage loans for energy efficient homes, and others.

There is a dedicated space in the report for the VODIM programme, launched in 2025, whereto UBB in partnership with Mastercard allocates resources for the preservation of water from spring to tap through the realization of a series of long-term projects. During 2025 a total of three fountains and adjacent micro wetlands were restored in Vitosha Nature Park with the assistance of the Bulgarian Biodiversity Foundation. Also, drinking water purification dispensers were installed at five schools in Sofia, having nearly 4500 pupils. Those dispensers simultaneously provide pupils with free-of-charge access to clean drinking water and substantially reduce the use of plastic bottles in their daily routine. Dispenser usage data indicates 59 000 litres of water drunk within only a 6-month period, thus saving more than 118 000 plastic bottles and over 1170 kg. of plastics.

Readers can download the report from the Bank’s website here, can also get acquainted with the results from the Choose to Help donorship programme, the application of the sustainability principles and training of employees, support and knowledge-sharing with businesses through series of events and initiatives, partnership with schools, universities and organizations for enhancement of financial literacy and others.

At the same time, as a public recognition for its consistent activity and investment in the sustainable development domain, UBB received for the fourth consecutive time the Best ESG Bank in Bulgaria award at this year’s edition of the banking awards for exceptional achievements, namely the Еuromoney Awards for Excellence event, organized by the reputable British magazine Euromoney. For its results in 2025 the Bank was also distinguished as the Best Digital Bank in Bulgaria and the Best Digital Bank for Corporate Banking in Bulgaria.