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Environmental & Social Sustainability Report
Environmental and social sustainability mission statement
ACLEDA Bank is committed to achieving strong, sustainable financial returns while respecting the environment and community within which we live. We subscribe to the concept of triple bottom line ('people, planet, profit') reporting and are constantly developing indicators for measuring and reporting on our performance and impacts on the society and the environment and to implement a reporting structure based on the guidelines of the Global Reporting Initiative.
The key elements of ACLEDA Bank's ESS mission are:
- To provide a framework of guidelines within which ACLEDA Bank can operate in a sustainable manner so that our impact on the environment, society and the community in which we operate is managed in a responsible way.
- To continue to introduce energy efficient systems into our buildings and to manage sensibly our energy usage wherever we operate.
- To honor the society in which we live and actively work to promote an inclusive culture, embracing not just shareholders and staff, customers, and business partners but respect for the individual within our community.
- To recognize that supporting the community is not just morally sound but good business as well - our 'good health' and prosperity are naturally interdependent.
Environment
ACLEDA Bank fully subscribes to international conventions which prohibit the provision of credit to, or otherwise support any activities which might harm the environment, be morally repugnant or jeopardize human rights. In particular the bank has in place policies which forbid involvement with exploitative forms of forced or child labor, trade in weapons and munitions, gambling, casinos, brothels, regulated wildlife or wildlife products and production or trade in radioactive materials or significant volumes of hazardous chemicals.
Environmental Performance Indicators
In order to establish baselines for the measurement of our efforts to reduce our environmental impact, we have introduced a tracking system for resource usage. The results are given under their respective headings below and will be used to benchmark our future performance.
Paper usage
In 2020, paper usage decreased by 28,41% per co-worker compared to 2019 as employees were encouraged to save and reduce paper usage by printing on double-sided documents. We also strengthened the use of electronic data storage and the sending of information by E-mail and the internet, especially by using our automated system. Waste paper decreased by 9,30% because refresher-training programs were conducted online. Online training also helped prevent the spread of Covid-19. Additionally, expired, old or no longer in use documents were destroyed and unofficial information papers were shredded and recycled.
Energy consumption
Electricity consumption per co-worker decreased by 9,66% in 2020. Air-conditioner use was monitored, as were timer settings for ATMs. Spot checks were carried out on electrical equipment to turn off or unplug items not in permanent use. Gasoline consumption increased by 1,15% as Bank motorbikes were used for sales and promotions to existing and new customers. Diesel decreased by 3.97% as use of cars for Bank-related work decreased in favor of motorbike transport. Employees have also been instructed in proper car air-conditioner usage. Lubricant consumption decreased 0,39% as vehicle maintenance was monitored closely to ensure proper functioning.
Water
Water consumption decreased, by 6,40% in 2020 compared to 2019 because the Bank introduced economic measures or methods to use tap water more efficiently in offices. General plumbing and taps around office buildings were checked regularly to make sure water supply pipes were not damaged. Employees were also encouraged to conserve water by turning off taps after use.
Business travel
In 2020, the total distance traveled by car decreased by 3,82% because employees were requested to encourage doubling up on business-related vehicle usage at the provincial and district levels. Motorcycle usage increased 0,65% compared to 2019 as their use was more efficient for cross selling and product promotion, especially in urban areas.
Staff
- ACLEDA Bank Lao Ltd. is an 'equal opportunity' employer. Apart from those jobs which involve a higher physical risk (e.g. guards and messengers) appointment to all positions at every level is based entirely on merit regardless of gender or physical disability.
- ACLEDA Bank Lao Ltd. aims to be the most progressive employer in Laos providing medical, pension and other benefits. It provides comprehensive training both for new recruits as well as experienced staff.
- A high level committee under the chairmanship of the Chairman of the Board has been specifically tasked with the responsibility of setting and monitoring the Bank's moral and ethical standards and respect for human rights.
- In consultation with its staff the Bank has drawn up social policies covering i) Code of Conduct, ii) Human Resources Management, iii) Health & Safety, iv) External Relations, v) Freedom of Association and the Right to Collective Bargaining. These are now published on Lotus Notes so that every member of the staff has free (and paperless) access to the most up-to-date versions.
Note: FTE (Full Time Equivalent): average number of full-time co-workers during the year.
