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Prioritization of the sustainability aspects and materiality analysis
The prioritization of identified topics with regard to their materiality is based on a multi-stage approach:
1. In order to be able to better evaluate and subsequently prioritize the key topics and areas of activity, the
following tool was used to prepare and present topics: the topic map.
1. a. First, a list of the current key issues was drawn up by Group Sustainability Management. This is based on an
internal analysis of past Stakeholder Councils, focus groups, sustainability reports, online surveys (online
materiality survey 2013 and selective evaluations of the materiality of specific sustainability aspects),
discussions with experts and the GRI.
1. b. The list was checked and added to by an external sustainability expert. At the same time, additional
requirements of recognized standards and guidelines (incl. the Global Reporting Initiative, ISO 26000,
EU Directive on non-financial reporting, Sustainable Development Goals) as well as current corporate
strategies were also incorporated.
1. c. Next, the relations between the concepts were recorded. On the one hand, this involves hierarchical
structures based on strategic clusters and concept levels (e.g. values, strategies, tools), and on the other,
causal relationships and impact levels (e.g. input, output, outcome, impact).
1. d. Finally, these data were evaluated with the aid of network analysis software, and a topic map was created
(see Sustainability Report of the RZB Group 2015, page 22).
2. The eight most important topics areas were identified from the topic map. These were the basis for the online
stakeholder materiality survey carried out in January/February 2016:
2. • Work environment
2. • Inhouse ecology
2. • Commitment to society and the environment
2. • Sustainable products and services
2. • Economic added value
2. • Organizational management
2. • Regulations and controlling
2. • Transparency and disclosure
3. The current materiality matrix was created on the basis of the results of the online stakeholder materiality survey.
4. In the table “Material topics”, we then present how the topics we identified as material are related to the associated
key GRI topics. The completeness of all key GRI topics was checked in detail in 2014 when converting to GRI
G4. The table was adapted to the new structure of the materiality matrix.
5. The demarcation of the key GRI topics in terms of their impact inside and outside the organization took place
as part of the conversion to GRI G4 in 2015 for the 2014 Sustainability Report. It was developed in a workshop
of employees from Group Sustainability Management together with an external sustainability expert. The
results were incorporated into the current structure of the materiality matrix and are shown in the table “Material
topics”.
6. Validation of the key aspects, including GRI‘s compliance with the key aspects, was carried out by an external
expert who has international experience as an auditor of sustainability reports produced by financial service
providers. This expert examined the identified prioritization of topics and performance indicators.
Raiffeisen Bank International | Sustainability Report 2017