HNB to reduce carbon footprint

Hatton National Bank (HNB) has embarked on a massive 1.3 megawatt solar power project to carry out its operations in an environmentally sustainable manner.

The project is expected to generate two million kilowatt-hours of power per annum, which will enable HNB to cover 15% of its total power needs through solar energy which will reduce the carbon footprint of the Bank by 850 metric tonnes.

The HNB Towers in Colombo and over 249 HNB customer centres islandwide will derive power from this project, while seven branches will operate solely on solar power. The Bank has tied up with JLanka Technologies and Finco Green Energy Solutions, two solar power companies in Sri Lanka, to implement the project.

Chief Operating Officer, HNB, Dilshan Rodrigo said, "This project is the first phase of a systematic process of transforming our key customer centres to solar energy, thereby reducing our reliance on fossil fuels. We are delighted to partner with Finco and JLanka in this venture which further reinforces our commitment to a greener office through Green buildings, paperless offices and digital banking."

The HNB Green Pledge aims to raise awareness on environmental issues among employees and to educate them on practical ways through which the environment can be taken into account in their day-to-day lives.

It is based on the 3-R concept of Reduce, Reuse and Recycle, thereby implementing best practices in waste management and energy efficiency. The Pledge, which has been taken by all HNB employees. It has also led to the implementation of the Environmental and Social Management System (ESMS), which tracks HNB's environmental and social compliance.