Hang Seng to achieve international environmental certification at all street-level branches

90 per cent of the bank’s office premises are ISO 1400 showing its commitment to protect the environment.

Hang Seng Bank has become the first local bank to achieve the internationally recognised ISO 14001 certification for all its street-level branches, following the expansion of its comprehensive environmental management system (EMS).

The certified branches cover a total area of over 500,000 square feet. Having already gained ISO 14001 certification for its street-level branches on Hong Kong Island in 2009, the Bank extended its EMS in June last year to include its street-level branches in Kowloon and the New Territories. Specially trained environmental coordinators were appointed to ensure that branch staff understood and adhered to the requirements of the EMS.

Hang Seng attained ISO 14001 certification for its headquarters building in 2005 – making it the first local financial institution in Hong Kong to receive such accreditation – and for its Hang Seng Tower, Megabox offices and Hong Kong Island street-level branches in 2006, 2008 and 2009 respectively.

Currently, 90 per cent of the Bank’s office premises are ISO 14001 certified.

Hang Seng Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive, Mrs Margaret Leung, said: “As a socially responsible citizen, Hang Seng is committed to protecting the environment and minimising the negative environmental impacts of its business operations. We are proud of our work to further enhance and extend our EMS, and we will continue to encourage our stakeholders to adopt good environmental practices.”

Hang Seng actively promotes greater environmental awareness among its staff. In addition to regular environmental activities and talks, the Bank offers an interactive e-training course that gives members of staff a better understanding of its green initiatives.

Hang Seng became carbon neutral in 2007. The Bank’s environmental programmes have been recognised with the 2009 Gold Award in the Financial, Insurance and Accounting Institutions category of the Hong Kong Awards for Environmental Excellence, and its energy-saving measures earned it 2nd Runner-up for the Biggest Percentage Saver Award (Property Management) in Friends of the Earth (HK)’s Power Smart Contest 2010.