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Environmental targets
In 2005-2007, HSBC exceeded environmental targets set for reducing waste and carbon dioxide emissions. Although we came slightly short of targets set for energy consumption and water consumption, we still achieved a significant reduction in these areas.
This is a significant achievement considering HSBC's increased activity over the last three years. Through 2005-2007, HSBC benefited from business growth and increased its number of full time employees. The bank also experienced higher demand for IT infrastructure and increased operating hours in bank branches.
The table below reflects HSBC Group and country performance against the 2005 to 2007 targets. These figures have been calculated using a 'static' portion of HSBC property portfolio and excludes property acquisitions and disposals. The targets covered 77% of the Group by full time equivalent (FTE).
| Energy (kWh) | Water (m3) | Waste (tonnes) | Carbon Dioxide (tonnes) | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UK | Target | -9.0 | -10.0 | -13.0 | -2.0 |
| Performance | -9.8 | -14.0 | -12.7 | -63.3 | |
| France | Target | -2.0 | -9.0 | -4.0 | -1.0 |
| Performance | -12.5 | -2.8 | -25.9 | -26.4 | |
| Asia Pacific | Target | -4.0 | -4.0 | -2.0 | -4.0 |
| Performance | -1.5 | -8.5 | -13.2 | -6.6 | |
| USA and Canada | Target | -7.0 | -9.0 | -5.0 | -7.0 |
| Performance | -6.3 | 23.3 | -21.1 | -42.7 | |
| Mexico | Target | -7.0 | -10.0 | -23.0 | -6.0 |
| Performance | 2.0 | -29.8 | 3.7 | 2.0 | |
| Brazil | Target | -11.0 | -5.0 | -2.0 | -3.0 |
| Performance | 2.0 | -28.4 | -32.0 | 2.0 | |
| Argentina | Target | -11.0 | -5.0 | -2.0 | -3.0 |
| Performance | -5.0 | -12.1 | - | -5.0 | |
| Group | Target | -7.0 | -7.0 | -8.0 | -5.0 |
| Performance | -6.0 | -6.8 | -16.1 | -27.4 |
In June 2007, HSBC launched the Global Environmental Efficiency Programme (GEEP), a US$90 million programme, to help HSBC achieve its environmental reduction targets by showcasing environmental innovation and sharing best practice.
The following case studies highlight just a few projects HSBC has showcased internally as part of the Global Environmental Efficiency Programme.
Zero carbon branch - Greece, New York
This prototype ‘zero carbon’ branch incorporates technologies to minimise the building’s carbon footprint. This branch utilises solar panels, geothermal heating and cooling, 'intelligent' lighting systems and rainwater recycling.
Global Technology Centres, India
Two Global Technology Centres (GLT 1 and 2) in India are using innovative environmental technologies to reduce energy and water consumption, and CO2 emissions.
Organic waste-processing, Hong Kong
Organic waste-processing machines were installed in this complex as a pilot project to reduce waste sent to landfill. Organic kitchen is processed into water which can be reused for irrigation. The scheme has resulted in savings of US$1,200 per annum through reduced waste disposal costs.
Micro-renewable energy generation using solar photovoltaic panels, France and UK
Micro-renewable energy generation trials are being run in the UK and France. Solar photovoltaic panels are being used to generate electricity and solar thermal technology is being used to generate hot water.
World Environment Day
The United Nations Environment Programme's international environmental awareness-raising day is held on 5 June each year. HSBC celebrates this event to raise staff awareness of topical programmes, campaigns and initiatives being implemented across the Group.
HSBC's Mexico headquarters achieves gold LEED standard Latin America - Mexico City
The first building in Latin America to achieve the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design's (LEED) gold certification, HSBC's Torres building showcases innovation through a range of energy efficient measures and the largest green roof in the region.
Group Targets for 2008-2011
The Group set the following targets for the next three years. The targets cover 91% of employees across the Group, including HSBC's Global Technology Centres and Group Service Centres.
Downloads
Environmental Targets Progress Report YE 2006
(2 page pdf 85K)
Environmental Targets Progress Report YE 2005
(2 page pdf 40K)
2007 Sustainability Report
(39 page pdf 1,744K)
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