... accelerates transition to sustainable operations
Standard Bank Group has accelerated its transition to environmentally sustainable operations, achieving a 4.6percent reduction in carbon emissions from facilities across its Africa operations in 2023. is places the group four years ahead of its 2040 target of having all its buildings net zero.
Standard Bank SA has signi cantly reduced its carbon footprint - by 52percent - in its owned buildings in the last decade. is carbon reduction equates to almost 15,500 homes in SA being o the grid per year. e group’s journey in building sustainable operations and business resilience has seen substantial investments in various initiatives. In 2024, it plans to further expand its group- wide solar PV capacity by 25percent , while its operation in Zambia will also launch its rst net zero branch. Its in- country headquarters in Zimbabwe will become its rst net zero commercial facility in Q1 2026.
Protecting our planet’s nite resources is both a moral obligation and a business imperative for Standard Bank Margaret Nienaber, Standard Bank Group COO “e group’s success is attributed to the prioritisation of energy e ciency projects in its corporate o ces, data centres and branches,” says Margaret Nienaber, Standard Bank Group COO.
Protecting our planet’s finite resources is both a moral obligation and a business imperative for Standard Bank.
“Protecting our planet’s nite resources is both a moral obligation and a business imperative for Standard Bank. rough our focus on energy e ciency, renewable energy adoption, water conservation and sustainable design principles, we are minimising the environmental impact of our operations while realising signi cant cost savings.” is year marks a decade of net- positive carbon status for Standard Bank’s 1 Simmonds Street building in the Johannesburg CBD, meaning the building produces more renewable energy than the total energy consumed. e group has 19 Green Star- rated facilities, including corporate head o ces and branches in Namibia, Nigeria and SA. “e investment in clean, renewable energy not only supports Standard Bank’s environmental sustainability commitments but also aids in the global transition towards a low- carbon economy. As we forge ahead on our path to net zero carbon emissions, Standard Bank remains resolute in our dedication to driving positive change and nurturing a sustainable future for all,” says Nienaber.