Responsible operations
Rabobank Group promotes environmentally aware, responsible banking
and sustainability in value chains in the course of its operations by means
of energy efficiency and the application of renewable energy sources,
among other things. Sustainable and responsible products are purchased
wherever possible, boosting sustainability in value chains. Under our
sound CSR policy, two key objectives have been set for Rabobank Group's
operations. The first is to reduce carbon emissions, in other words our
climate footprint. Our aim is to cut greenhouse gas emissions per FTE by
at least 20% between 2009 and 2013. The remaining emissions are offset
by purchasing carbon credits. The second key objective is to make the
entire procurement process sustainable and socially responsible. In 2010,
the CSR purchasing specifications of Rabobank Group Purchasing will be
extended to cover all relevant product categories, making Rabobank's
purchases 100% sustainable.
A more sustainable and efficient climate footprint
The starting point of Rabobank Group's climate and energy policy is that its operations should
be climate-neutral. This implies that the negative impact of greenhouse gas emissions on the
climate and environment has to be offset. The emphasis in this area is on reducing the climate
footprint per FTE through the application of renewable energy and the more efficient use of
water and energy, in particular gas and electricity. The climate and energy policy is in line with
the goals formulated by the Dutch government to cut energy consumption by 2% a year, and
to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30% and generate 20% renewable energy by 2020.
In 2009, Rabobank and the Dutch government signed up to the long-term agreement on
energy efficiency (Dutch acronym: MJA3).
Almost all group entities and 71 local Rabobanks demonstrated their support for the
agreement by signing a letter of intent on the reduction of carbon emissions in 2009.
Best practices have been shared with a view to achieving these reductions. Our internal
energy programme supports local Rabobanks and other group entities in their efforts to
be more energy-efficient.
Offsetting carbon emissions
Rabobank Group started to make its operations climate-neutral in 2007. In 2009, it offset its
entire climate footprint for 2008 by purchasing carbon credits.The climate footprint for 2009
will be offset in 2010.
Climate footprint decreases
Rabobank Group's climate footprint for 2009 was 170,500 (182,800) tonnes of C02. The climate
footprint per FTE fell to 2.8 (3.1) tonnes of C02, chiefly as a result of the partial switch to green
gas, a reduction in flight mileage and a better understanding of the figures of actual energy
consumption.This means that, for the time being, Rabobank Group is on course to achieve its
objectives in the area of C02 reduction. For further information on our climate footprint and
associated consumption and emissions, please visit www.rabobank.com/csr-figures.
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Responsible operations
