In order to manage the Danske Bank Group’s environmental impact systematically and efficiently, the Group decided in 2006 to implement an environmental management system (EMS). The system ensures that the Group continually improves its environmental behaviour and regularly reports on our environmental conditions internally as well as externally.
The EMS is based on our environmental policy and sets forth procedures, responsibilities and controls for individual areas. Management reviews the system on an ongoing basis and sees that adjustments are implemented, for example as the result of new statutory provisions. The system adheres to the requirements in ISO 14001.
The model below illustrates the principles of our system:
In the beginning of 2009, the Group implemented in the EMS the principles in ISO 14064-1, a standard for the quantification and reporting of emissions and reductions of greenhouse gases. Managing the impact on the climate is thus an integral part of the system.
The EMS has been implemented in Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Ireland and Northern Ireland. In 2009, the implementation of environmental management began in Finland, and we expect the work to be completed in spring 2010. The objective of implementing environmental management in the Baltic countries in 2009 was postponed indefinitely because the countries’ critical financial situation required the units’ full attention. The Group’s overall environmental projects, however, as well as its environmental requirements for centralised purchasing and carbon neutrality, apply to the Baltic countries as well.
In order to optimise the EMS, the Group is appointing a new, independent audit team that will review the system on an ongoing basis and identify opportunities for improvement. The audit team’s first assignment in the spring will be to review the procedures and work routines in the Group’s Retail & Logistic Services department.
Last updated on February 4, 2010