Bank Muscat, IFC highlight solutions for green homes

Bank Muscat, the flagship financial services provider in the sultanate, in association with International Finance Corporation (IFC), hosted a workshop on ‘Banking Solutions for Green Homes’. IFC experts conducted the two-day workshop attended by consultants, real estate developers, contractors and property valuers.

Bank Muscat, in line with its ‘Let’s Do More’ vision and commitment to partnership in sustainable development, is focused on energy saving initiatives as part of its Imprints CSR programme.

The green home programme is aimed at providing finance/credit facility to customers to encourage them to build or purchase homes which are environmentally friendly such as using solar power, LED lighting and energy-efficient building materials.

Mortgage finance incentives will be offered for homes built in compliance with energy efficient standards. The move is aimed at promoting energy-efficient green buildings in the country, which will contribute to reducing energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions.

The workshop addressed by IFC experts highlighted climate change as an emerging business opportunity and the advantages of investment in clean energy. The workshop spotlighted the Sahim solar energy initiative by the Authority for Electricity Regulation and green construction challenges in Oman.

Bank Muscat launched the Imprints CSR programme in 2016 to address the changing economic and social situation. The initiative marked a big step in the public-private partnership in making lasting contributions to the society and the nation.