Putting ourselves to the test

Categories analysed

The categories of "electricity consumption", "heating energy consumption", "paper", "water" and "waste" were analysed. We are satisfied with the results, as the study showed that in most of the categories we scored an average value for our sector. There were, however, also some above average results and a few areas where improvement is needed.

Some current measures

Electricity consumption – with a solar energy system installed on our bank building in 2007, we are moving over to renewable energy. The system produces about the same quantity of electricity as is in average consumed by two single familiy houses in Germany. We have been able to significantly reduce CO² emissions as a result. (more than 5.000 kilograms per year)

Paper - For bank correspondence, flyers, reports etc., we have selected paper types produced under environmentally friendly / sustainable conditions.
One goal in the design of business processes within the bank is to reduce the use of paper, for example by avoiding printing documents, and by the use of electronic archiving or at least double-sided printing.

Heating energy – we have been able to significantly improve the consumption of energy for heating. Since the first records in 2005, consumption in 2007 has fallen by 44%. We have achieved this improvement by converting the heating system: we use the existing ventilation system to supply the rooms with pre-heated air. This means that the heating system only needs to run occasionally as a backup. We have been able to reduce the supply temperature from over 80°C to just over 50°C. This protects the environment.

Further improvements for the environment

In the acquisition of our company cars, one selection criterion is the environmental friendliness of the vehicle. For journeys in the "local" area, we have purchased a hybrid vehicle, which is powered by liquefied petroleum gas. This reduces emissions of CO² by 18%, hydrocarbons by 50% and nitrogen oxides by 80%. With an estimated average mileage of 20,000 km, this will reduce CO² emissions by more than 800 kilograms a year.

In the future, ethical and sustainable action, in which we also consider environmental aspects, will continue to be an essential element of our corporate policy.