The Danske Bank Group considers climate change our key environmental issue and has therefore developed a climate change strategy for the years ahead. The strategy focuses on our ability to confront the climate challenge in our financial business and operations and through dialogue with stakeholders.
Towards a low-carbon economy
We believe that the financial services sector plays a vital role in providing the financial infrastructure to support a low-carbon economy. The Danske Bank Group has therefore given priority to developing new products and services that support innovation and the reduction of emissions.
Carbon-neutral operations
As a financial services provider, our own carbon emissions are relatively low in comparison with many other industries. Given that the Group has more than 23,000 employees internationally, however, the Group’s total carbon emissions are still significant. The emissions come primarily from energy consumption in offices and transport.
As part of the climate change strategy, the Group aims for carbon neutrality for all operations by December 2009. The strategy builds on two main initiatives:
1) Energy-efficient operations
The Group will increase energy efficiency through behavioural change, a reduction in business travel, optimisation of buildings and the purchase of energy-efficient IT and office equipment. In order to strengthen the initiatives, the Group will hire a specialist in energy-efficient operations to co-ordinate the efforts.
2) Offsetting emissions
The portion of emissions that cannot be reduced will be offset through external projects. In 2008, we will seek to identify the projects to engage in and set up agreements.
Knowledge is the key to change
First of all, a transition to a low-carbon future demands a change in our mindset and in how we act in business and in our daily lives. As a large enterprise, the Danske Bank Group has the opportunity to engage with stakeholders to share knowledge on how to face the challenge of climate change.
As a first initiative, the Group will launch a large employee campaign in early 2008. The focus will be on how to save energy at the office and in our daily lives.
Last updated/revised on January 31, 2008.