Preserving the environment has become an increasingly important issue for companies, reflecting a greater awareness of the significant impact of human activities on the planet. In this context, it is becoming crucial for organisations to adopt sustainable measures, not only as a matter of ecological responsibility, but also because adopting responsible environmental practices will result in significant long-term benefits.
Investing in sustainability makes it possible to improve operational efficiency, reduce costs, foster innovation, improve the corporate image and strengthen relations with stakeholders. Furthermore, acting in an environmentally responsible manner is fundamental to guaranteeing the viability of natural resources for future generations, aligning business strategies with the growing expectations of consumers, partners and society in general.
With this in mind, in 2021 Absa Bank Mozambique became a signatory to the United Nations Global Compact, an initiative launched with the aim of involving the business community in adopting values related to human rights, labour practices, environmental protection and the fight against corruption.
Since then, the bank has embraced various projects to ensure that all its activity is aligned with compliance with the Paris Agreement, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and respect for the UN Global Compact Principles, as well as relevant national and international policies in these areas.
It is with this in mind that the bank has progressively replaced the R22 gas air conditioning system with R410A gas units. Both R22 and R410A are efficient climate control devices; the difference between them is that R410A gas does not harm the ozone layer.
Investing in sustainability makes it possible to improve operational efficiency, reduce costs, foster innovation, improve the corporate image and strengthen relations with stakeholders
Absa has also adopted its digital and paperless strategy, and has already ensured a 60 per cent reduction in paper use at all branches and the head office. By installing water dispensers throughout the province and the city of Maputo, the bank has ensured a 30 per cent reduction in the use of plastic bottles.
It recently opened its first environmentally friendly branches, using photovoltaic solar energy to support its business. A total of seven (7) branches in Inhaca, Manhiça, Sussundenga, Boane, Marromeu, Pemba and Dondo have already adopted this clean form of electricity, and the bank plans to continue installing photovoltaic systems in more branches this year.
With this initiative, Absa has seen a significant improvement in the stability of the electricity grid at its branches, a reduction in dependence on the public grid, a substantial reduction in dependence on the use of fossil fuels/generated electricity, and a preliminary analysis shows a reduction in its energy costs of around 30 per cent.
The preservation of the environment is an imperative global issue, essential for the well-being of the world’s population. Today, corporate environmental responsibility is emerging as a crucial pillar, playing a fundamental role in safeguarding our planet. This responsibility goes beyond corporate barriers, exerting a profound positive impact on society by ensuring that a healthy environmental legacy is preserved for future generations. Making this commitment is an ethical imperative that aligns business interests with the urgency of protecting the environment, promoting sustainability, innovation and long-term resilience.
