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The aim of the Principles is to align the banks' strategy and practice with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Climate Agreement. Kommunalkredit CEO Bernd Fislage emphasises the bank's two focal points: accelerating the energy turnaround and improving people's quality of life. In doing so, all sustainability aspects are taken into account for all projects.

Kommunalkredit has generated new business with a volume of EUR 1.98 billion in 2022 and an increase in earnings of 42 percent. Projects from 2022 include water treatment plants, wind farms as well as kindergartens, schools and broadband expansion. The need for infrastructure and energy projects has increased due to challenges such as rising energy prices and supply chain disruptions. The EUR 100 million capital boost from new owner Altor will be used to invest in growth and generate stronger impact, Kommunalkredit said.

The new owner of Kommunalkredit will be the Swedish investment company Altor, which acquired an 80 percent stake. The transaction involves a capital increase of 100 million euros. The existing owners will retain an indirect stake of 9.9 percent each, while the Austrian Association of Municipalities will continue to hold 0.2 percent directly. Kommunalkredit CEO Bernd Fislage sees the takeover by Altor as an important step for the targeted growth and as a strengthening of the business strategy. Together, they want to promote the transition to a green and sustainable future.

Kommunalkredit Austria, which specialises in financing sustainable infrastructure, is being sold to the Swedish financial investor Altor with a majority stake of 80 percent. In addition to the purchase price, Altor also intends to strengthen Kommunalkredit with EUR 100 million in additional capital. In the past seven years, the bank, led by Bernd Fislage, has financed around 200 projects with a focus on the energy transition.

Times are difficult and require difficult solutions. With these words, Bernd Fislage, CEO of Kommunalkredit, described the current situation in view of climate change, the energy crisis and the Ukraine war at the Kommunale Sommergespräche (Municipal Summer Talks). Fislage advocated for investments in infrastructure, especially in sustainable energy. According to Fislage, investments in infrastructure are effective instruments for meeting social and environmental needs in society.