Energy use at HSBC Malta was reduced by more than 350,000 kilowatt hours during 2008 over the previous year. The saved energy is equivalent to powering 71 households for a whole year.

More importantly, this saving equates to a reduction of over 300 tonnes of CO2 emissions. CO2 which is discharged into the air by our power stations is a harmful greenhouse gas which is a main contributor to global warming.

“This significant achievement puts into practice HSBC’s philosophy and commitment to conserve the world’s resources and environment,” said Sally Robson, HSBC Malta’s Chief Operating Officer and Chairman of the HSBC Cares For The Environment Fund.

In order to reduce its carbon footprint, HSBC Malta embraces a 3Rs policy – Reduce, Reduce and Renew. The emphasis is on Reduce in the following approach:

Reduce, by conserving energy use on existing installations without major investment cost. Initiatives include a reduction of 22,340kWh of lighting at the Operations Centre Car Park. Staff also participated by following a set of energy-saving ‘best practice’ guidelines, and by putting forward their own ideas. Energy use at all offices was then monitored on a bi-monthly basis to enable all offices to evaluate their progress.

Reduce, by investing in energy reduction technologies, such as presence sensors, timer controls, variable drives, and Building Management System.

Renew, by investing in ‘renewable energy sources’. In 2008, a Photovoltaic System was installed at Attard Branch, and Solar Water Heaters were provided at the Staff Gym at Operations Centre.

A number of initiatives were also taken to conserve water use. Half of Malta’s potable water is produced by Reverse Osmosis Plants which take up a staggering 5% of the country’s total power generation. Among other initiatives, around three million litres of water were extracted from the storm water reservoir at the Operations Centre for second class use.

“I am proud that our HSBC Climate Champions in particular are taking a very active role in guiding our staff and the community to be aware of and to take action to protect our planet by adopting climate friendly practices. A number of other initiatives are planned for 2009,” said Ms Robson.