Standard CharteredBank has taken significant steps toward accelerating net zero, by providing 400 seedlings to members of staff, which were planted at respective locations of their choice, including their homes and farms. Every year, the Bank’s CEO challenges every member of staff to plant at least 1 tree to support national efforts to mitigate deforestation – Zambia’s greatest environmental challenge. The tree planting challenge is a culmination of several activities that the bank undertook to celebrate World Environment Day(WED).
To demonstrate the Bank’s commitment to combat deforestation, Sonny Zulu, CEO of Standard Chartered Bank, flagged off the tree planting challenge by handing over 400 seedlings to staff at a colourful event held at the Bank’s icon EDGE–Certified Head Office Building.
Speaking to employees when he handed over the trees, Mr Zulu stressed the importance of environmental sustainability and urged everyone to be more conscious of their carbon footprint. With the planting of the seedlings, the Bank is taking a significant step in the long-term commitment towards a cleaner environment and a green economy.
“As part of our commitment toward accelerating net zeroand tacking deforestation – Zambia’s greatest environmental challenge – we are happy to be part of the WED celebrations and to contribute positively to the environment. We recognize the importance of environmental protection and sustainability, not only in our operations, but also in our social responsibility. With the planting of these seedlings, we hope to positively impact our communities and the environment and help combat climate change. Our staff are an integral part of this,” Mr Zulu said.
Earlier this month, Standard Chartered Bank that has dubbed June as Environment Month, provided waste bins to the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment for city clean-up activities to promote responsible waste disposal habits valued at ZMW 40,000.
Additionally, the bank joined the Ministry of Green Economy & Environment in a clean-up activity at Ngwerere Riverwhich is one of the major tributaries of the Chongwe River. Speaking at the clean-up activity, which was also attended by the Mayor of Chongwe, Christopher Habeenzu, Minister of Green Economy & Environment Hon. Collins Nzovu, who expressed his appreciation to the bank for taking a lead in clean-up activities.
Honourable Nzovu indicated that he was grateful to Standard Chartered Bank for its continued support towards environmental conservation initiatives. He said that it is critical to work collaboratively to promote sustainable practices in our communities. He further added that Standard Chartered Bank’s support is invaluable in achieving these goals and hopes that this partnership will continue to thrive. He urged other corporates to follow in our footsteps.
Standard Chartered Bank is committed to driving environmental sustainability through its business operations. That is why the Bank invested in a green building. The Bank’s EDGE-certified iconic Head Office building has many ‘green’ features, including solar panels and a water reticulation system and strictly implements no single plastic use for its staff. It is the only certified green building in Zambia.
