State Bank of India's green banking initiatives for a sustainable future

GUWAHATI: State Bank of India, Local Head Office, Guwahati on Friday launched a programme under Corporate Social Responsibility titled "Green Banking initiatives for a sustainable future" on the occasion of World Ozone Day. Speaking on the occasion, Arvind Kumar Singh, CGM, SBI said that the bank is organizing a massive tree plantation campaign and is leading the way in fight against climate change, deforestation, pollution and in reducing carbon footprints to protect the earth for a sustainable future.

SBI, Guwahati Circle has pledged to plant one lakh trees during the current year. SBI has turned the local communities- the women SHG members and the Kiosk Banking operators (CSPs) as the custodians of the restorative process of protecting the environment from degradation. He also said that SBI is socially responsible, environmentally friendly and follows a business model that is ethical. SBI always strives to improve the quality of life of the community where it operates.

Singh further said that SBI, Guwahati Circle has taken steps to shift at least 150 ATMs to solar back-up power during the year, improve digital transactions, reduce paper-based transactions and to reduce power consumption. The LHO has also started hiring electric vehicle to reduce carbon footprints for a sustainable future. SBI has earmarked Rs. 60 lakh for achieving the target of one lakh tree plantation. SBI sees it as a long-term investment.

While observing the World Ozone Day the CGM said that ozone protects the earth from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun. Without the ozone layer in the atmosphere, life on earth would be very difficult. A carefully designed tree-planting strategy involving local communities is essential to protect the earth.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Guest M.K. Yadava, IFS, Principal Chief Conservator of Forest and Head of Forest Force lauded the initiatives of SBI and hoped that SBI as a responsible Corporate would continue to work towards improving public health, biodiversity and in reducing pollution for a sustainable future, stated a press release.

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