An overview of measures we’ve put in place to manage our energy and water efficiency, and the product and finance initiatives we’ve launched to support our clients’ sustainability efforts.
As stewards of the physical environment, businesses need to look at how their operations impact the world they exist in. At NBF we are aware of our responsibility to use natural resources sparingly and are committed to deploying sustainable energy solutions and managing our environmental impact.
2020 in numbers:
| 100,000 KWH | 60,000 KGs | 960,000 KWH | AED 420,000 | 16,000 gallon | 5,000 KGs | 32% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
of renewable energy per year generated by solar systems |
reduction of CO² emissions due to solar water heaters |
energy savings made in 2020
|
energy cost savings in 2020
|
reduction in water usage in 2020 due to the installation of water sensors in washrooms |
of paper was recycled in 2020 |
of stationery comprises eco-friendly wheat straw paper |
Energy and water usage:
NBF has implemented numerous green initiatives across our operations to reduce our energy consumption. Measures include installing solar water heaters, panels and signage, and replacing artificial lighting with sensor-activated LED lights. At NBF’s Dubai office, a recycling system is in place for used office furniture, paper, toner cartridges and cans.
NBF staff, together with Emirates Environmental Group (EEG) and Dubai Chamber Sustainability Network, regularly participate in recycling campaigns.
Environmental oversight and climate risk mitigation:
The NBF Sustainability Committee comprises of a team of senior managers who oversee all sustainability initiatives. NBF’s Board of Directors are also committed to covering sustainability issues at board level.
The bank is developing methodologies for assessing transitional and physical risks associated with climate change to incorporate these into our investment and financing activities.
Sustainable products & services:
NBF promotes the development of green products and services, including:
- Green personal loans for customers interested in fuel-efficient, eco-friendly cars.
- Online application processes for onboarding customers that reduces the reliance on paper forms.
NBF strives to create products and services that focus on inclusion in the community in which we serve:
- NBF Elham promotes women’s access to financial services by providing a corporate banking unit dedicated exclusively to Emirati businesswomen, staffed by skilled female Emirati relationship managers.
- NBF Ajyal offers a set of digital banking services for the younger generation of Emiratis.
Integration of environmental factors in lending activities:
As a signatory of theDubai Declaration on Sustainable Financing, NBF is dedicated to promoting lending in sustainable projects. In July 2021, NBF and APICORP signed a US$ 34 million financing deal with TotalEnergies for a 50 MW solar portfolio in Dubai, demonstrating the bank’s commitment to the growth of a green economy in line with the goals of the Dubai Declaration and the UAE Energy Strategy 2050.
Work from home policy and benefits
NBF employees generally live close to the office and are encouraged to make healthy and environmentally friendly choices in how they choose to commute to work (car sharing, use of public transport, walking/cycling etc).
With the advent of Covid-19, many employees have been working from home, drastically reducing the need to commute into the office. The bank has recently introduced a ‘Working From Home’ policy that minimises commuting and supports staff well-being on an ongoing basis.