Sustainability and coronavirus

The coronavirus pandemic has had a profound impact on the work of the EBRD and we are working on ways to practically support our clients and countries of operations on issues relating to health and safety, labour and stakeholder engagement.

At a time when coming together is more challenging than ever, it is vital that we stay informed and connected whilst complying with national restrictions and requirements relating to Covid-19.

The EBRD has developed a Solidarity Package to help our clients, partners and countries deal with the impact of the pandemic while continuing to take into account the environmental and social outcomes of our lending in line with the EBRD Environmental & Social Policy and Performance Requirements. 

The EBRD’s Environment and Sustainability Department has been hard at work reshaping our ways of working to respond to the crisis. We have prepared a number a number of briefing notes and also compiled guidance and resources from a range of sources to help clients. 

We have focussed in particular on:

• The coronavirus pandemic gives rise to unparalleled environmental, health and safety and social risks and impacts, presenting significant challenges to companies and their workforces, their contractors and suppliers, as well as host communities across the EBRD regions.  We have developed a workplace health and safety risk assessment checklist to help assess the risks from Covid-19 at the workplace.
   
• Addressing coronavirus challenges related to the protection of workers and their employment, changes to working conditions and labour management, engagement with workers and their representatives, as well as preventing and minimising retrenchment.
   
• Considering the vulnerabilities of migrant workers and potentially disproportionate impacts of Covid-19 on migrant workers, including women workers and supply chain workers. The briefing note provides guidance for clients on preventing or mitigating severe impacts related to loss of employment or increased risk of exposure where work continues and/or new migrant workers are recruited
   
• Advice to our clients on information disclosure and stakeholder engagement during the coronavirus pandemic. The briefing note explores engagement channels that are consistent with social distancing measures and provides guidance on developing a Covid-19 engagement and communications plan.
   
• A list of websites providing information on Covid-19
   
• Guidance materials and resources provided by international financial institutions
   
• Training materials for environmental and social consultants
  
  Further information

Please contact us via esd@ebrd.com if you have any specific feedback or queries.

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