Sustainable Development

Renewable sources of energy and KB

Renewable sources of energy are an interesting and ecologically more sensitive alternative to burning fossil fuels, which are constantly diminishing. Since 1990, KB has been indirectly supporting the use of renewable sources through its financing of top-notch projects.

Projects for renewable sources are very specific, as is their financing and processing. Experts from several fields are required for their evaluation.

For each project, it is necessary to perform a correct assessment of the natural and other conditions that may have a significant influence on level of risk, economic benefits and environmental impact of the project.

We also take into account the development of public opinion on the society-wide benefits of renewable resources, which are then projected into support for renewable resources. We also respect the technical development of methods and technologies in this dynamic field. Last but not least, an important role is played by assessment of the qualifications of the managers/authors of these technically demanding projects.

Wind power plants, bio-gas stations, solar power stations and hydroelectric plants have all been financed by us. The usual rate of return on loans provided does not exceed 15 years and instalments on the loan can be adjusted in relation to the seasonal nature of their operation (e.g. solar power stations mainly produce electricity in the summer and, conversely, wind power plants in the winter).

Green energy for environmental protection

In April 2008, Komerční banka was the first bank in the Czech Republic to join in the project initiated by the ČEZ Group called Green Energy. IBy taking this step, KB is expressing its responsibility towards the environment and supporting greater use of renewable sources of energy.

KB subscribes to 3200 MWh of so-called Green energy.

• www.zelenaenergie.cz

Involvement of the employees

Employees are provided with information about the importance of economical behaviour, above all in the area of consumption of paper and energy.

Every KB employee has the option to undertake activities leading towards environmental protection and take part in one of the projects organised. We also welcome all ideas from our employees that lead to change in KB rules and procedures, so that they are more considerate towards the environment.

Despite the fact that across-the-board waste sorting at KB is provided by an external company, we are also gradually expanding the possibility of waste sorting (paper, plastic, cardboard and glass) being performed by the employees themselves.

In the spring and autumn of 2007, volunteers from the ranks of Komerční banka staff helped to repair the damage caused in Šumava National Park by Hurricane Kyrill. Teams of volunteers were joined in May by 113 and in September by 132 employees of Komerční banka. Those participating managed to plant 931 new trees and to clear 600 cubic metres of fallen branches.

We measure and monitor

Komerční banka regularly monitors a set of environmental, social and economic indices, which provides a picture of the company's impact on its surroundings.

One of the indices monitored by KB is the scope of CO₂ emissions created as a result of our activities.

The character of the services we provide is above all connected with high paper and energy consumption. This is why we are first focusing on finding ways to make saving in these areas.

Direct banking

Direct banking represents one of the possibilities for behaving in a more economical manner towards the environment.

All orders (payments, standing orders, collection and others) are handled electronically, with no paper submission, and signed with an electronic signature. Clients can also use electronic statements for all types of accounts and for payment cards.

By opting for direct banking, each of us can contribute to decreasing the burden on the environment, which is connected with production and distribution of paper. Furthermore, direct banking has a number of benefits for clients, such a cheaper and faster operation of funds on accounts.

However, direct banking also offers other options to decrease the number of papers printed with contracts. Clients can arrange, for example, a consumer loan or process an application for a credit card online without using a single paper document. What is more, other loan products can also be applied for online.

Ethical Sourcing Policy

In the spirit of the common commitment of Société Générale to protect the environment and to respect the principles of sustainable development, Komerční banka has extended the dialogue with its suppliers.

Above the framework of standard customer-supplier relations, we:

• share and monitor tried and tested procedures with a view to the environment, social and human rights
• assess adherence to these procedures and principles according to the valid methodology of Société Générale
• continuously cooperate on improving these procedures and principles with our suppliers in the field of permanently sustainable development.

Emission permits

Emission permits represent an important tool for suitable allocation of resources, allowing for a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.

Komerční banka has prepared a wide range of short-term and long-term products for its clients, connected with emission permits, which allow clients to plan their investments in reducing these emissions and securing the risk of these investments.