Environment and operations
The operations of Rabobank Group, which has almost 60,000 employees (in FTEs),
have a major impact on the environment. As part of its CSR policy, Rabobank aims
to minimise its climate footprint (i.e. reduce carbon emissions) wherever possible.
Thanks to this policy, the target for reducing in carbon emissions, which was to be
attained by the end of 2013, was already achieved in 2011
Climate-neutral operations
Rabobank Group has analysed its climate footprint since 2007. It does this in accordance with
the Greenhouse Gas Protocol methodology, which involves recording energy consumption,
lease car mileage, business car mileage, business flights, the use of air conditioning and paper
consumption. Efforts to reduce carbon emissions were continued in 2011, and carbon emissions
were offset by purchasing carbon credits. These credits were from clean energy generated by
a large windmill project in China. As a result, Rabobank Group's operations were climate-
neutral in 2011.
Reduced carbon footprint
Our carbon footprint for 2011 corresponded to 164,290 tonnes of C02, representing a drop in
carbon footprint per FTE to 2.5 (2.7) tonnes of C02. This was mostly down to factors such as
lower carbon emissions by lease cars and an increase in the amount of green gas purchased.
This meant that Rabobank Group was able to meet its target for reducing carbon emissions
(reduction of 20% per FTE between 2009 and 2013) in 2011
Saving energy
An internal energy programme supports local Rabobanks and Rabobank Nederland in their
efforts to become more energy-efficient. Offices that score relatively poorly on energy undergo
an energy scan and are provided with energy saving suggestions.
Rabobank Bollenstreek received the 2011 Rabo Energy Award for the lowest relative energy
consumption at Rabobank Group. In 2011,97% of the electricity and 71% of the gas consumed
by Rabobank Group in the Netherlands was 'green'.
New building in Utrecht
The new building in Utrecht was brought into use in 2011. These sustainable offices are fully
geared to the New World of Work. Rabobank Nederland employees are free to decide for
themselves when and where they work, based on taking responsibility for themselves and
focusing on deliverables. The building reflects this. It is a place where people can meet and
work together. Fixed desks are now a thing of the past. This development is expected to have a
positive impact on our climate footprint, since we do not need as much floor space and have
left employees in charge of deciding for themselves whether they need to travel.
Sustainable purchasing
Raboshop, an internal online shop where many products are purchased by buyers from
Rabobank Nederland and local Rabobanks, continued to be made more sustainable.The range
of office supplies and household products has been revised, and more than half of the range
now comprises products that specifically address CSR issues. In addition, these sustainable
products are labelled as such, making them easier to identify.
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Annual Report 2011 Rabobank Group
