The EBRD was founded in 1991 at the end of the Cold War to build an open market economy and promote private enterprise in the former communist countries of Central and Eastern Europe.
Since then, the Bank has expanded its operations into new regions and now operates in 36 countries on three continents. Since its establishment, the company has invested more than 180 billion euros in more than 6 projects.
Over the past two years, the EBRD has also invested more than half of its annual volume in the green economy, and from the beginning of 2023, brought all its activities into line with the Paris Agreement.
The new central office reflects the EBRD's commitment to environmental values. The new building on Five Bank Street has been recognized as one of the most environmentally friendly and advanced in the UK.
Photoelectric panels are installed on the roof of the building, producing almost 20 kWh per year. There is also waste water recycling, a vertical garden, green and brown roofs as wildlife habitats, and plenty of bike parking and more.
The 26-story skyscraper, 12 of which are occupied by the Bank, is entirely powered by renewable energy.
EBRD is also the largest institutional investor in Ukraine. Last year, in times of war and responding to the country's urgent needs, the Bank provided EUR 1,7 billion, as well as nearly EUR 200 million more from partner banks.
Last year, EBRD employees donated 313 euros to local charities in Ukraine and other war-affected countries. The Bank's public initiative supplemented this amount with almost EUR 000 of its own funds.
As reported in the bank's press service, King Charles III was present at the opening ceremony of the office. He unveiled a plaque commemorating his visit and met with members of the EBRD Board of Directors, senior management and staff.
His Majesty was presented with a picture drawn by a child from Ukraine from an exhibition organized by employees to help the charity organization Kids and Art for Ukraine.
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