In the presence of Ségolène Royal, French Minister for the Environment, Sustainable Development and Energy, the European Investment Bank (EIB) confirmed today at COP 21 a funding package for the project "Optimisation of the energy efficiency of public buildings", to which it has made a financing commitment of EUR 400m in partnership with La Banque Postale, the Crédit Agricole Group and the BPCE Group.
This large-scale operation is fully consistent with the Law on energy transition for green growth. It will be used to rehabilitate and renovate public buildings with a view to reducing their energy consumption whilst optimising their energy performance. It will also serve to finance the construction of buildings that set an example in terms of energy efficiency. To be rolled out across France as from January 2016, this investment is expected to have a positive impact on employment while reducing the operating costs of the buildings.
"During COP 21, this operation is of symbolic importance," remarked EIB Vice-President Ambroise Fayolle. "Energy transition is one our priorities. That is why we are financing, with trusted partners, concrete projects that will have a direct impact on sustainable development and the daily lives of citizens. Our climate action is expected to correspond to nearly 40% of our activity in France in 2015."
"At the heart of the issues raised during COP 21, this operation illustrates perfectly the BPCE Group's commitment as a key player in the financing of projects for energy transition and green growth and as France's leading public sector financier. This new partnership will strengthen the support system for our public sector customers via the networks of Banque Populaire, Caisse d’Epargne, Crédit Foncier and Natixis," explained Daniel Karyotis, Director General and Member of the Management Board responsible for Finance, Risk and Operations of the BPCE Group.
Marc Batave, Member of the Management Board and Secretary General of La Banque Postale, commented, "Already a partner of the European Investment Bank in supporting the government plans 'Hôpital Avenir (Hospitals of the Future)', 'Très Haut Débit (Superfast Broadband)' and 'Collèges et Emplois des Jeunes (Schools and Youth Employment)', La Banque Postale is pleased to make its know-how available again to promote the energy transition".
Olivier Gavalda, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Crédit Agricole SA, stated, "By signing this protocol, Crédit Agricole's Caisses Régionales are confirming their commitment to assisting local authorities in optimising the energy efficiency of public buildings, with a EUR 150m contribution to the EUR 400m dedicated financing package set up by the EIB."