Buildings
Contents Foreword Management report Corporate governance
An ongoing focus of Rabobank's policies is to improve the
sustainability of its buildings and systems. To advance our goal
of improving our sustainable business practices, we have signed
an accord with the Dutch government to endorse the energy
efficiency targets set out in the National Energy Agreement
Meerjarenafspraak Energie-efficiency.
Our energy efficiency measures again resulted in lower energy
consumption in 2016. Modifications to our systems based on
changes in the way we use office space and changes in our
energy needs are two of the contributing factors. In light of
the new strategy, the construction of any new buildings has
been delayed until further notice, but both new developments
and renovations to existing properties will invariably comply
with the standards for sustainable construction, including the
application of innovative sustainable solutions.
In replacing a number of devices in 2016, we also managed
to significantly reduce energy consumption relating to
thermal energy storage at the largest Rabobank branch office
in Utrecht, also known as De Verrekijker. In addition, the
conventional outdoor lighting at this site has been replaced
with LED lighting.
Employee awareness
In the process of improving its sustainable business practices,
Rabobank - in addition to responsible building and systems
management - also focuses on its employees. For example, as
part of these efforts we have launched a number of colourful
campaigns designed to raise employee awareness of energy
efficiency, including the promotion of waste segregation and
reuse of cardboard cups. Rabobank's Purchasing department
has integrated sustainability into the Global Standard for
Sustainable Procurement. Sustainability goals and targets
are incorporated into and safeguarded in the tools used in
the purchasing process, and suppliers must comply with the
sustainability requirements set.
Purchasing
As part of our sustainable purchasing policy, we have
launched the use of a carbon-neutral coffee, which has saved
an impressive amount of carbon, contributing to the reduction
of our total carbon footprint by 9,835 tonnes. We have also
installed new energy efficient coffee machines that consume
Consolidated Financial Statements Company Financial Statements Pillar 3
significantly less energy than the old machines. In addition,
we have seen a substantial reduction in paper consumption at
local Rabobanks, due to ongoing virtualisation and the option
for customers to process their data online themselves. We have
noted a reduction in the amount of paper used and the number
of postal routes.
In catering and logistics, we entered into several new contracts
with sustainable businesses and various social organisations
in 2016. Rabobank's Purchasing department has selected FIRA
as its verification agency for sustainability. The FIRA platform is
charged with checking and verifying the accuracy of suppliers'
business data. Improved access to reliable information and the
ability to evaluate suppliers helps Rabobank and its suppliers
improve the sustainability of the supply chain.
Power
Rabobank also increased the use of renewable energy in its
power consumption in 2016 by purchasing certificates for
European wind energy and European solar energy. Renewable
energy also accounted for 15% of Rabobank's gas consumption
in 2016.
Customers have a meaningful value
Rabobank involves its customers in the process of achieving
and implementing its goal of using green gas. The purchasing
cooperative between Rabobank and De SuikerUnie helps
promote sustainability in the agricultural industry. Rabobank
encourages De SuikerUnie, a cooperative, and its 9,000 farmer
members to further develop these innovative sustainable
practices.
Everyday enjoyment from a special innovation
Sustainability remains a strategic priority at Rabobank. In order
to increase the reusability of products and raw materials and
reduce waste, the bank has made an innovative decision:
sustainability is literally within reach thanks to the introduction
of cups made from waste and sugarcane. The segregation
of waste also makes it possible to reuse these cups in the
manufacturing of tissues.
As part of its commitment to the Green Deal for Circular
Purchasing, Rabobank includes a list of requirements during the
purchasing selection process.
97 Our output and impact: promoting a circular economy