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Sustainability

The physical purity of gold is measured in carats. Certifications ensure that gold bars’ composition does, in fact, measure up to their minted value. But what about purity in terms of ESG criteria? Under which circumstances was the gold bar cast? And what are its effects on the climate? Does the gold originate from micro-mines, which are often illegal? Was it mined under inhumane conditions? It is, of course, paramount to source the precious metal responsibly – even if it is impossible to tell by simply looking at it. High standards ensure that all gold held in custody for Xetra-Gold® is mined responsibly.

Xetra-Gold is an Exchange Traded Commodity (ETC) fully backed by physical gold. It has been issued by Deutsche Börse Commodities GmbH since the end of 2007. The issuer’s stated aim is to contribute to a sustainable gold market to the highest degree possible along its entire value and supply chain. Deutsche Börse Commodities is committed to aligning its business activities in accordance with the principles of sustainability. To this end, an ESG strategy has been integrated into the overarching business strategy. Deutsche Börse Commodities considers sustainability a management system with the defined fields of action environment (E), social (S) and governance (G) as the main areas of focus for its activities. As these areas are closely linked and overlap, the resulting commitment and goals are partly interrelated.

Since 2020, a declaration of conformity with the 20 criteria of the German Sustainability Code (DNK) is published in the DNK database biannually. In the future, reporting will be based on the voluntary EU standard for sustainability reporting by SMEs, the VSME (Voluntary ESRS for Non-listed Small- and Medium-sized Enterprises). Based on the defined material topics and objectives, Deutsche Börse Commodities is working to make a positive impact in terms of ESG within the scope of its possibilities, thereby also contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Downloads:

DNK Statement Deutsche Börse Commodities 2022 (available in German only)

DNK Statement Deutsche Börse Commodities 2020 (available in German only)

Environment

Climate change, with its far-reaching consequences for all areas of sustainability, is the greatest challenge of the 21st century. Counteracting efforts require the participation of policy, business and society – globally. To do its part, Deutsche Börse Commodities holds itself, its suppliers and service providers to high standards in terms of environmental protection and resource conservation.

Further information on its environmental activities is available here.

Social

To tackle the challenges posed by gold trading, Deutsche Börse Commodities has issued a declaration on modern slavery and human trafficking and developed a code of conduct for its suppliers. The latter includes ten points on social and ethical issues and defines its minimum requirements for business partners. At the local level, Deutsche Börse Commodities upholds its longstanding commitment to the ARCHE Kinderstiftung Frankfurt and is working to promote financial education.

Further information on its social activities is available here.

Governance

With its product Xetra-Gold, Deutsche Börse Commodities stands for reliability and respectability in gold investment. Customer confidence and the security of the gold holdings have the highest priority.

Further information on its corporate governance activities is available here.