The Case Study - Seylan Bank

110Seylan Bank PLC Annual Report 2009Protecting the EnvironmentThe Bank is committed to preserving andreplenishing the physical environment. All ourpolicies and products are designed with this end insight. Through engagements with our customerswe seek to spread the message of conservation toa broader audience as well. Some of our specialproducts are designed specifically to protect theenvironment and others encourage clients tointegrate environmental concerns into their projectplanning and implementation processes.In this section we examine how the Bank’spolicies and processes help preserve the environmentand ensure its sustainability. A key aspect of theBank’s environmental strategy has been the focuson the employees and on generating a culturalchange within the organisation that is committed toprotecting and preserving the environment.The Bank has integrated energy-savingprocesses and technologies throughout the countryand in all its branches. In redesigning its processesthe Bank has focussed on the following areas:Energy ConservationWaste ManagementPaper ManagementEnergy ConservationThe Bank constantly monitors its energy use witha view to reducing costs and making maximum useof the energy consumed. The main source of theenergy is the national grid. The Bank is exploringthe use of alternative and renewable sources ofenergy in its branches.Energy ConservedEnergy ConsumptionHead Office 2009 2008Consumption (Units) 2,504,928 2,827,026Expense (Rs.) 49,300,577 52,290,190The head office and many of the Bank’sbranches have replaced their incandescent lampswith energy-saving bulbs. By 2011, we will have allour branches using energy-saving bulbs. Naturalsunlight is used where possible.The use of air-conditioners is reduced whereverpossible and temperatures are regulated to createoptimum levels of comfort. Computers come withlow radiation levels and are programmed to transitto stand by mode within a short time of idling.Waste ManagementThe Bank’s policies and processes have beenadapted so as to reduce waste. Where waste doesarise, the Bank tries to reuse and recycle whereverthis is technically and economically feasible.Some of the Bank’s branches have introducedsystems to segregate waste into plastics, solid waste,paper, glass and other materials. We are exploringseveral waste disposal and reuse options in this regard.We have partnered with N.S. Gunaratne andCo. to dispose of discarded accessories from theHead Office and branches in an environmentallyfriendly way.In the coming year, we hope to collect all usedtoner cartridges in a central location and ensure thatthey are disposed of an environmentally friendly way.Paper ManagementThe Bank’s objective is to move towards a paperlessoffice in the near future. With this in view the Bankhas reduced substantially the amount of paperused within the office. Last year, the Bank spentRs. 145.164 Mn. on stationery as against theRs. 174.288 Mn. spent a year previously.Expense 2009Rs.2008Rs.Stationery 145,164,498 174,288,304The Bank makes maximum use of electroniccommunication so as to reduce paper usage.Communications with customers make optimumuse of electronic channels and the Bank has attemptedto keep paper communications to a minimum. Wherepossible, paper is recycled and reused.