Thursday 7 Nov 2024Fa
Key Social Responsibility Activities

Resource and Energy Consumption Management

Implemented Measures for Smart Automation

Reduction and Optimization of Electricity Consumption: Substantial reductions have been attained in electricity consumption across a range of sectors, encompassing:
• Stairway lighting: 60% reduction
• Landings: 40% reduction
• Archives: 30% reduction
• Warehouses: 70% reduction
• Prayer rooms: 50% reduction
• Pantries: 40% reduction
• Corridors: 20% reduction
• Restrooms: 60% reduction
• Parking areas: 60% reduction
• Office rooms and floor partitions: 15% to 20% reduction
Collectively, these initiatives have culminated in a 6% to 10% decrease in the building’s annual electricity consumption.

Standardization of Lighting Systems:

Through engineering analysis, review of standards, and examination of engineering publications, the required standard lighting intensity for various environments within bank buildings has been established. 
The following measures were implemented:
• Modification and updating of the architectural AS-BUILD drawings, documenting the existing layout of the old lighting system.
• Preparation of tables detailing the type of environment usage, the type and number of lights in each area, and the measured lighting intensity at specified points.
• Design of the new lighting system, validated using DIALux simulation software.

Use of Products with a Green Energy Consumption Rating:

To optimize energy and associated costs, the procurement of new electrical products and equipment with a green energy consumption rating has become a priority.

Thermal Insulation for Energy Loss Reduction: 

Key actions include:
• Installation of inverters for building electric pumps.
• Periodic and preventive maintenance (PM) of equipment.
•Auditing and assessment of electrical demand based on Section 13 of the Engineering Regulations for 45 of the bank's headquarters buildings in Tehran and other cities, with the objective of establishing uniform standards for the buildings' demand.
• Installation of double-glazed windows in older buildings, resulting in a 15% to 20% reduction in energy consumption.
• Use of capacitor banks to prevent energy loss, and active filters to protect electrical equipment from potential damage caused by unwanted harmonics. Remarkably, this bank stands as the nation's first institution to have implemented active filters across its buildings over the past decade.

Gas Consumption Savings and Air Pollution Reduction

• Inspection and Maintenance: Actions taken include the inspection, examination, and cleaning of controllers, relays, wiring, gas filters, and other burner components; assessment of fire tube surfaces, bricks, refractory door gaskets, insulation, and other boiler components; and the creation of a database for technical issues and hidden faults in boiler and burner equipment.
• Efficiency Improvements: Standardizing boiler chimney draft pressure and installing dampers have resulted in a 3% to 10% increase in burner heating efficiency and a 10% to 25% reduction in gas consumption per burner.
• Environmental Pollution Reduction: The key measures implemented target a significant 70% to 90% reduction in environmental pollutants, in strict adherence to the primary criterion of Standard 16000. Necessary actions for technical inspection, exhaust gas and flue gas analysis, and adjustment of burners in central boiler rooms are conducted annually, in accordance with National Standard 16000.
• Promoting Digital Banking Services: To reduce air pollution and in-person visits to bank branches, digital banking services have been developed, offering remote services.

Improvement of Power Quality (Optimization of Electricity Consumption)

Significant actions have been taken to optimize energy consumption, generating the following results:
• A 15% to 25% reduction in energy carriers in buildings.
• A 20% to 35% reduction in major equipment failures and repairs.
• A 60% reduction in frequent equipment breakdowns.
• A 30% to 40% extension in equipment operational lifespan.
• A 30% reduction in maintenance and repair costs.
• A 10% to 15% reduction in spare parts consumption.
• Design and standardization of the lighting system utilizing ultra-low energy lighting.
• Reduction of office lighting and operation of diesel generators in headquarters buildings in the course of summer.

Supplier Evaluation

Commitment of Suppliers to Mandatory/Preferred Environmental Standards:

• Periodic supervision (every three months) of contractors responsible for fire alarm and suppression systems in bank buildings.
• Continuous monitoring, evaluation, and verification of the proper functioning of the bank’s nationwide wireless radio network to ensure secure and interference-free communication for cash delivery teams. This includes oversight on resolving violations reported by inspectors from the Regulatory and Radio Communications Organization.
The requirements related to mandatory/preferred environmental standards have been developed under the “Supplier Security Policy” and communicated for inclusion in contractor commitments in contracts.

Water Consumption

Smart Automation of Consumption:

• Equipping the drinking water system with smart technology to minimize water consumption (e.g., installing electric or pedal faucets in restroom sinks).
• Regular inspection of rooftop installations (e.g., evaporative coolers, cooling towers) to address potential water leaks.
As a result of the energy cost savings achieved, the bank saved a total of 436 billion Rials in 2023 compared to 2022, representing 78% of the expected savings.

Waste and Recycling

Waste Separation: Measures for waste separation have been implemented in all headquarters buildings and bank branches, ensuring that dry and recyclable waste is sorted daily and delivered to recycling units.
Recycling of Paper Waste: Approximately 270 tons of paper have been collected and recycled, including documents archived from previous years.
Disposal of Obsolete Hardware: Classified information and equipment on portable and non-portable storage media have been disposed of in accordance with pertinent security and environmental protocols.

Environmental Compliance Costs

The expenses incurred to Comply with Environmental Impact Regulations are outlined in the table below:
Amounts in millions of Rials
RowActions Taken to Support the EnvironmentTotal ExpendituresPurchase of Equipment and Facilities and RepairsResults of Supportive MeasuresEstimated Reduction in Damages
1Implementation of a Wastewater Treatment Plant and Sewage Network Project at Yas Educational and Welfare Complex23,0008,000
Preventing the discharge of Wastewater into the Sea and Ensuring Compliance with Environmental Standards for Wastewater Disposal.
Additionally, the treated wastewater is being utilized for irrigation of green spaces, and measures are underway to conserve water usage.
Preventing marine and environmental pollution, as well as addressing& resolving the environmental Organization's warnings.
2Forecasting and Designing a Sewage Treatment Plant for the Completion and Preparation of the Restaurant at the Coastal Village Recreational Complex30,00011,000

Environmental Sector Initiatives

• Participation in environmental exhibitions.
• Recognizing exceptional environmental rangers.
• Replacing outdated vehicles.
• Development and promotion of remote banking services.

Cultural Awareness and Promotion

• Recognizing doctors and nurses on relevant occasions.
• Arranging family outings for the families of martyrs.
• Providing special sports allowances for employees’ children.
• Recognizing “White Cane Day” for the visually impaired.
• Establishing supplemental insurance for employees transitioning from contractual to permanent status.
• Recognizing social workers on Social Work Day.
• Supporting the elderly and individuals with disabilities.
• Financial contributions to mosques, religious organizations, service stations for pilgrims, and religious sites.
• Participation in cultural congresses and conferences.
• Sponsorship of the 42nd Fajr Film Festival.

Corporate Social Responsibility towards Employees

• Management of challenging individuals in need of care.
• Support for colleagues affected by natural and non-natural disasters.
• Screening patients for physical and mental health issues.
• Assistance for employees in the treatment and prevention of addiction.
• Support for children and families of deceased employees.
• Assistance for the Youthful Population Initiative.
• Covering infertility treatment costs.
• Support for employees with twin or multiple births.
• Payment of childcare tuition subsidy.
• Financial assistance for kidney acquisition.
• Visits to hospitalized or home-care patients.

Healthcare and Wellness Sector

• Implementation of an employee health checkup program.
• Non-payment of cash by insured individuals to healthcare centers.
• Assistance to Shariati Hospital for purchasing MRI scanners and endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) equipment.

Educational Development

• Financial assistance to Payame-Noor University of Zanjan for laboratory equipment.
• Financial assistance to educational institutions and donation of supplemental textbooks for high school students.
• Collaboration with universities and scientific and educational foundations.

Charitable and Humanitarian Affairs

• Provision of 100 gas heaters for donation to needy families under the care of the Tehran Province Welfare Organization.
• Provision of 3,000 livelihood packages for needy families supported by the Alborz Province Welfare Organization.
• Financial support to the Association for the Support of Involuntary Offense Prisoners.
• Assistance to flood-affected compatriots in Sistan and Baluchistan Province.