Atradius DSB supports Dutch exporters in achieving sustainable growth in international markets. We facilitate projects that have a positive impact on the climate, thereby contributing to a better future for people and the environment. Learn more about our goals, measures taken, and results achieved in our climate briefing.
Atradius Dutch State Business supports Dutch exporters in responsibly growing their international activities with a focus on sustainability. Through our export credit insurance, we promote green investments, encourage international cooperation, and actively contribute to reducing fossil fuel projects. Our measures align with international climate goals and help entrepreneurs and investors play their part in the energy transition. In this way, we make sustainable growth possible together, worldwide.
On this page, you will find an overview of our main initiatives and ambitions in the area of climate within the framework of Export Credit Insurance. Because this topic has multiple dimensions and the information is spread across several areas, we have prepared a climate briefing that provides insight into the key steps we have taken in recent years.
At the heart of our approach are four pillars focused on making our portfolio more sustainable. To encourage climate-friendly and green transactions, we have introduced various measures, including specific exclusions for the fossil energy sector. The goal is to provide greater clarity, transparency, and reliability for users and other stakeholders.
Read our climate briefing to learn how we are putting our climate ambitions into practice and the steps we are taking.
To make export credit insurance more attaractive for environmetally friendly (green) export transactions and investments, several measures and instruments have been introduced:
- Green Risk Fund: relaxed acceptance criteria for smaller, more innovative and higher-risk green transactions.
- Green Cover: broader definition of export for green transactions. The Green Cover is for Dutch companies that want to invest in new green technologies or in production capacity for green capital goods or projects, both in the Netherlands and abroad. It aims to support companies that are at the forefront of the energy transition while simultaneously expanding their international reach through exports.
- Green project financing: broader Dutch content policy.
- Financial portfolio guarantee for investors in green funds.
For access to these instruments, classification as a green economic activity is a prerequisite.
To identify which economic activities qualify for green instruments, Atradius DSB developed the Green Label classification methodology. Transactions are labeled as ‘green’ if they make a substantial contribution to global climate objectives such as climate change mitigation and adaptation, or other environmental goals. Key elements of the Green Label methodology include:
- A brochure providing background information and an explanation of the methodology.
- A Green List outlining the most relevant potentially green activities and qualification criteria for export credit transactions. If the economic activity for which the transaction is intended does not appear on the Green List, clients are encouraged to contact their Atradius DSB account manager.
In 2021, the Netherlands was one of the signatories of the COP26 declaration. With this, the Netherlands has committed to ending new direct international government support for the unabated fossil energy sector and to stimulating the energy transition from fossil to sustainable energy, using public support to increase the contribution of the private sector.
As of 1 January 2023, Atradius DSB therefore no longer provides ECA support for the exploration and extraction, processing, storage, transhipment and transport of fossil fuels and unabated electricity generation from fossil fuels, with the exception of transactions that are in line with the 1.5 degree target. Transactions related to coal, the extraction of oil and/or gas by hydraulic fracturing (unconventional extraction of shale oil & shale gas) and by tar sands extraction, and projects involving routine flaring (routine flaring) were already excluded from ECA support.
The Netherlands, together with like-minded countries, is committed to aligning public export financing with climate goals and creating a level playing field.
- In the OECD context, an agreement has been reached on expanding the scope of green or climate-friendly economic activities, which can make use of more favorable repayment terms. In addition, new negotiations are taking place to end public support for oil and gas projects in addition to coal plants.
- As member of the Export Finance for Future (E3F) coalition the Netherlands promotes a shared European climate policy. Together with the ten member states of the E3F coalition, the COP26 policy is published in a uniform manner and best practices are shared, which relate to product development and transparency.
- Finally, we are a member of the Berne Union (BU), an international non-profit association representing the global (export) credit and investment insurance industry. In this forum we exchange experiences with international public and private (export) credit insurers. We are a member of the BU Climate Working Group.
Wondering how we can support your sustainable export transaction ?
Contact our business developers by phone: +31 (0) 20 553 2693, or email us: info.dsb@atradius.com and get expert advice right away. They will guide you in submitting your application for green transactions. Remember that even if your transaction does not directly fit within the measures described above, our experts will evaluate whether one of our other product solutions meets your needs.
