The FINANCIAL — HSBC Bank Georgia, one of the leading banks in Georgia declared it has allocated an 80,000 USD budget for CSR activities in 2010.
“Sustainable Business principals are at the heart of HSBC’s operations across the globe. When we evaluate and implement CSR projects our main criteria is sustainability. We refer to Corporate Sustainability rather than Corporate Social Responsibility as this better reflects our priorities. Our Corporate Sustainability projects mainly focus on two areas: education and environment,” declared Guy Lewis, CEO of HSBC Georgia in his interview with The FINANCIAL.
Q. How do CSR activities support in developing the business objectives of HSBC?
A. We manage the potential social and environmental risks associated with our lending and investment by following international standards of good practice, such as the Equator Principles which apply to project finance.
HSBC has also developed its own policies for lending to socially and environmentally sensitive sectors. HSBC aims to be at the forefront of the development of sustainable business, by actively looking for opportunities that have an environmental and social benefit as well as a viable economic return.
Q. Human Resource represents one of the fields of CSR, what are the activities done within the framework of Human Resource Management at HSBC? How does the Bank support the workplace environment as well as staff training and motivation?
A. We consider our human resources as one of the most valuable assets of the company. We employ some of the best talent in Georgia and our global HR policy creates the best possible environment to retain talent. We provide an employee benefits package which includes medical insurance, beneficial banking services and personal development programmes supporting a potentially global career.
Q. How is CSR different from charity? What differences would you draw between the two?
A. By implementing CSR projects companies are normally expecting indirect benefits and endorsements of their brand by society, so the relationship becomes mutually beneficial. Charity is purely goodwill of the company to support important causes which normally are the aims of the charitable organisations.
Q. One of the activities within the framework of HSBC is to support children and students. What activities are done for youngsters?
A. Beneficiaries of our educational projects are children of different age groups. Our charity projects are undertaken in partnership with the local charity First Step Georgia that supports children from 6 to 18 years old. We also sponsor a Public Speaking Competition which is organised by the English Speaking Union and is held for youngsters from 16 to 20 years old.
Q. CSR might be considered a way of brand differentiation, what are the ethical values at HSBC based on CSR?
A. We aim to run a sustainable business for the long term. This is about achieving sustainable profits for our shareholders, building long-lasting relationships with customers, valuing our highly committed employees, respecting environmental limits and investing in communities.
Q. Environmental protection is one of the activities within the framework of CSR. How does HSBC support environment protection? What are the energy efficiency technologies implemented at HSBC?
A. In 2005, HSBC was the first bank and FTSE100 Company to become carbon neutral. We manage our direct impact on the environment by operating as efficiently as possible and integrating environmental measures throughout our functions. The Bank has helped maintain its carbon neutral status by: managing energy performance in buildings, providing alternatives to business travel and sourcing renewable energy, wherever possible.
Q. The HSBC Climate Partnership is a five-year, 100 million partnership to respond to the urgent threat of climate change worldwide with the support of The Climate Group, Earthwatch Institute, Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute and WWF. What activities were done in Georgia within the framework of this project?
A. HSBC’s key environmental programme globally is the HSBC Climate Partnership, a five year project launched in 2007. HSBC is working with The Climate Group, Earthwatch, Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute and WWF. 100 million USD was commitment to work with four leading climate NGOs and to engage HSBC employees in understanding and tackling the impacts of climate change. The partnership includes the climate championship programme which is aimed at HSBC employees globally. Georgian employees have the opportunity to become climate champions.
Locally, in 2010 we have joined the ‘Eco-awards programme’ which was launched by BP last year. The programme is administered by Eurasia Partnership Foundation. HSBC supported one of the winning projects – “Enhancing Sustainability of Tourism Development in Protected Areas of Georgia” which is organized by the Georgian Tourism Association (GTA).
Q. In your opinion, what are expectations of the community towards the Bank as a CSR company?
A. It is to lend responsibly and provide financial services that help to stimulate solutions to social and environmental challenges.
Q. In your opinion, how can people (society) contribute to company sustainability?
A. When society consists of responsible citizens, society tends to automatically become more demanding towards organisations and respective sustainability principals.
Q. Which products are popular with HSBC’s corporate clients? What are the special offers at HSBC?
A. All our corporate banking products are equally popular and attractive for our customers, but I would like emphasize our strength in financing international trade. HSBC has a presence in almost every country Georgia has trading relationships with and Georgia has a leading international bank who delivers best international practice. Traders need an experienced partner who provides knowledge and support for global trade. We believe HSBC is in a position to add great value to companies involved in international trade.
Discussion about this post