Annual Report 2012 - National Savings Bank

158BRANCHING OUT INTO NEW VENTURESSUSTAINABILITY REVIEWattractive atmosphere. We emphasiseenvironmental regulatory complianceand minimum environmental impactwhen constructing NSB branches.Maximum efforts are taken to avoiddestruction of the natural environment,by avoiding the cutting of trees andother types of environmental damages.In addition the Bank obtains legalclearances from local authorities beforegranting housing loans.Energy SavingsWe use CFL energy saving lights to saveenergy and VRV type A/C systemshave been introduced to new branchesto save energy while ensuring thecomfort of staff and customers. We havetaken a decision to limit the use of airconditioning to normal banking hours,to reduce electricity consumption andwe have restricted our working hoursduring holidays also to save resourcessuch as water, fuel and electricity Weuse only CFC-free air conditioningunits in all our ofces to avoid adverseenvironmental impacts.“We have conqueredhorizons and brokenboundaries and all dueto a team that remainshighly motivated.”Water UseThe average consumption of waterat our Head Ofce is 1,650 units permonth and we are focused on conservingwater by reducing wastage whereverpossible. We have also ensured that ourwaste water disposal is done in a propermanner to avoid any possible harmfulenvironmental impacts. Our stormwater disposal system is connected tothe public storm water drainage system,while our waste water is disposedthrough standard soakage pits insidethe premises. These measures ensurethe proper disposal of waste water.Mitigating the EnvironmentalImpact of Products and ServicesAs a bank, our products and serviceshave no direct impact on theenvironment. We produce no goodsthat need to be transported exceptstationery, xed assets and promotionalmaterials for marketing campaigns,and the environmental impact of this isnegligible. Our business premises, also,are always selected and constructed inorder to minimise their impact on theenvironment.Retail lending is also subject to similarenvironmental considerations. TheBank’s vehicle loan scheme is conguredto favour the purchase of vehicles lessthan three years old, since such vehiclesproduce lower emissions and are moreenergy efcient. Housing loans, too,are only approved after the affect ofthe building and its construction on theenvironment, have passed assessment.Finally, the Bank provides supportthrough philanthropic and commercialcommunity-based activities, for effortsto make houses and buildings moreenergy-efcient.Impact of TransportationOur xed assets and promotionalmaterials are for the most part,directly transported to the branches byNATIONAL SAVINGS BANK . ANNUAL REPORT 2012