As part of your strategy to deal with Climate Crisis, Santander Argentina reduced almost 18% its carbon footprint last year, and became a neutral carbon bank by offsetting its greenhouse gas emissions.
On the other hand, the entity promotes sustainable financing through loans for individuals, SMEs and companies, aimed at eco-friendly products, sustainable development projects; and a special line of credit to purchase electric cars.
Green personal credits offer up to $ 2,000,000 for 72 monthss deadline for the purchase of solar panels, electric skateboards, bicycles and solar water heaters, among other sustainable products.
The Sustainable line for SMEs has a 35% rate at 12 monthss to finance the acquisition of equipment for energy conversion (renewable energies, replacement of traditional lights for LED lighting); equipment for industrial waste treatment; technological replacement (PC, software, cellular telephony, management systems) whose purpose is energy efficiency; and obtaining environmental certifications.
In addition, last year it launched a line of UVA pledge credits to acquire electric vehicles from an agreement with the firm Seroelectric.
Measure and compensate
In 2020, Santander Argentina reduced its carbon footprint by 17.9%, from +22,300 VCU’s (Verified Carbon Units) in 2019 to +18,300 VCU’s in 2020. “This reduction was linked to the context of the pandemic, which boosted the home office and the reduction of key indicators such as electricity consumption in corporate offices and travel,” said Pamela Landini, leader of environmental issues in the Responsible Banking team of Santander Argentina.
In addition, the reduction in VCU’s from one year to the next is also due to initiatives of energy efficiency As the LED lights replacement in all branches and buildings, and the inclusion of inverter technology (more efficient) in air conditioning systems.
“We also carried out a internal awareness campaign for employees, the elimination of single-use plastics, the separation of waste for subsequent recycling by cooperatives, and the certification in environmental management under the international standard ISO 14.001 ”, detailed Landini.
Regarding the carbon footprint compensation, “it was carried out through Salto Pilao, a hydroelectric power generation plant located in Brazil.” “We are currently evaluating compensation options with local projects,” he said.
“These actions were complemented with support for educational initiatives, labor and financial inclusion, volunteering and environmental training throughout the country,” he added. “During 2020 we incorporated more than 40 enterprises with social and environmental impact in SuperClub Comprometidos, a program that allows the bank’s clients to exchange their points for products of entrepreneurs and artisans with social and environmental commitment,” he explained.
Commitment to the oceans
In line with the Sustainable Development Goal 14 of the United Nations (ODS14) that seeks to “conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources”.
The Banco Santander Foundation launched this year in Spain the initiative Santander for the Seas, a call that awards 450,000 euros, to projects that promote the recovery and conservation of marine ecosystems and threatened species.
The call “received 73 proposals, from which three projects will be selected to be supported for 2 years with 150,000 euros, ”explained Álvaro Ganado, head of Technology and Environment at the Banco Santander Foundation.
Date published: May 26, 2021
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