As the 17th Conference of Parties (COP17) kicks off in Durban, South Africa, the attention is on governments of the world to commit further to reduce the effects of climate change by reducing the high levels of greenhouse gases emitted when fossil fuels such as coal, oil, diesel, petrol and natural gases are burnt.
However, for most businesses, environmental custodianship and sustainability are still of little consideration as they are still not recognised as core to their business. They are often considered “moral must do’s” in addition to their normal operations.
For Standard Bank Group, sustainability is what we do. It is our core business in a very fundamental way. We see environmental or typical green issues as part of a bigger picture that includes individual and societal development. We fund individuals and businesses so that they can continue to exist and, hopefully, prosper.
But, in a more specific sense if we focus on reducing the man-made risks related to climate change and environmental degradation, then businesses and individuals will have to get to grips with managing energy and other resources more efficiently.
At Standard Bank Group the way we can assist is in developing financial products and services that practically assist organisations or individuals to make the wise choice.
If you’re in or around Durban, visit us at the South Africa Climate Change Response Expo for the duration of COP17.
