Corporate Sustainability - HSBC Bangladesh

Sustainable FinanceHSBC promotes sustainable finance bymeasuring environmental risk - definingactivities that could adversely impact thenatural environment (e.g. impacts onprotected areas or endangered species)and social risk - defining activities thosethat could adversely impact communities.HSBC have policies and guidance onsustainability risk, including sector policiessuch as chemicals, forest and freshwater.Its environment-friendly financing policyis also aligned with the Green Bankingguidelines circulated by the central bank ofBangladesh.For every lending proposal, HSBCassigns a SRR (Sustainability Risk Rating)based on customers commitment,capacity, track record for compliance andimpact of the sector/business on theenvironment and finally a composite ratingis assigned from the matrix. Lendingproposals not meeting the SRR does notqualify for financing.A variety of resources like StandardManuals and e-learning courses aredeveloped to help the employees becomemore aware and adept in handlingsustainability risk in business.HSBC Bangladesh has already startedfinancing renewable energy projects aswell as Effluent Treatment Plants (ETP) ofdifferent organisation.3