Annual Report 2012 - National Savings Bank

157BRANCHING OUT INTO NEW VENTURESSUSTAINABILITY REVIEWClimate Change ImpactsThe Bank is not directly exposed toeconomic impacts arising from climatechange. However, the Bank extendsfunding facilities towards agriculturalloans and pawning advances foragricultural purposes which may beaffected by climate changes.Government AssistanceThe Bank did not receive any nancialassistance from the Government duringthe year.However, the Bank has a loan schemefor Government employees, to purchaseproperty and construct houses, atconcessionary rates. The interest ratedifference between the existing rate andconcessionary rate, is reimbursed byGovernment.Hiring from the Local CommunityAll employees are recruited from citizensof the country and when appointingagents in foreign countries, priority isgiven to Sri Lankans who are residingin those countries.Supporting Locally-BasedSuppliersThe procurement procedure of theBank is governed by the GovernmentProcurement Mannual. The Bankrecognises the local suppliers bysourcing from locally based suppliers asits maximum possibility.INDIRECT ECONOMICIMPACTSNSB, through its activities has anindirect economic impact on variousstakeholder segments, in additionto direct economic impacts. Theseare explained in detail under SocialCommunity Care on page 165.Extent of Indirect EconomicImpactsNSB‘s CSR activities have wide indirectimpacts on society and particularlythe younger generation. One of ourmain aims is uplifting the educationand knowledge of the next generationand many of our CSR projects havebeen conducted with this in mind. Inaddition, the Bank also supports thewelfare of vulnerable groups such as theelderly and war heroes, and religiousevents that have wide social impacts.ENVIRONMENTALPERFORMANCE INDICATORSEnvironmental ResponsibilityNSB’s operations do not have directadverse impacts on the environment.However, as a responsible public entity,we are conscious of the need to preservethe environment and natural resources,for future generations. Therefore,NSB has been actively involved inresource conservation by using lessprinting of paper, reducing wastageof paper, using teleconferencing andtelecommunicating whenever possible,online training and developing moreenergy efcient ofce spaces.Waste paper is collected and handedover to the Paper Corporationfor recycling. Some of our newlyconstructed branches are equippedwith rainwater harvesting facilities.Trees are grown at NSB branchesto conserve greenery and create anNATIONAL SAVINGS BANK . ANNUAL REPORT 2012