SeABank is "greening" its operations and raising awareness of environmental protection for the goal of net-zero.

On its journey towards sustainable development and contributing to the common goal of reducing carbon emissions, SeABank is promoting the "greening" of its operations and optimizing processes, combined with the implementation of green activities to spread the spirit of environmental protection.

Sustainable businesses, green businesses, and Environmental-Social (ESG) governance practices are currently priorities for large businesses worldwide and in Vietnam. Towards the national goal of net-zero emissions by 2050, SeABank proactively implements environmental protection and emission reduction measures that adhere to ESG criteria and the principles of a green bank.

Accordingly, the Bank has identified three carbon emission categories to monitor, measure, and control/mitigate; with particular emphasis on direct emissions (category 1) and indirect emissions from energy consumption (category 2). A series of carbon mitigation initiatives in categories 1 and 2 have been implemented by SeABank, focusing on the following objectives: optimizing energy use and pollution control, digitizing and optimizing operations, and promoting environmental awareness.

Optimizing resource and energy use.

With the goal of optimizing energy efficiency, SeABank's headquarters apply a smart building management system to support the monitoring and automatic adjustment of air conditioning, lighting, security, and energy systems for optimal performance. SeABank's headquarters in the BRG Tower (198 Tran Quang Khai Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi ) has achieved EDGE green building certification – requiring a minimum 20% reduction in the use of energy, water, and sustainable materials.

The SeABank office building at 16 Lang Ha Street, Giang Vo Ward, Hanoi City, has achieved LEED Silver certification – a widely recognized international standard for green buildings with numerous requirements for carbon reduction, resource reuse, and efficiency optimization. The bank is currently implementing solutions to optimize efficiency and reduce carbon emissions, aiming to obtain Green Building certification for four major projects with strategic partners.

SeABank optimizes resource utilization and saves energy at its offices.

Electricity and water resources at SeABank's headquarters are managed according to established quotas to avoid waste and detect any losses early. In 2024, the average water consumption was 19 liters/person/day, 1.6 times lower than the prescribed quota. Regarding energy resources, SeABank has established consumption quotas based on the specific weather conditions of each region, with over 95% of its headquarters meeting the targets in 2024.

Pollution control measures are implemented by the Bank for all wastewater and solid waste. Accordingly, at the licensed wastewater discharge offices managed by SeABank, wastewater is monitored every three months according to QCVN 14:2008/BTNMT. In 2024, all discharge parameters did not exceed the permitted limits. SeABank also ensures that waste containers meet standards; the collection and treatment process is carried out in accordance with regulations by licensed service providers.

The bank prioritizes the use of environmentally friendly materials and equipment, implementing internal procurement of equipment with 4-5 star energy efficiency ratings from the Ministry of Industry and Trade , and ensuring regular maintenance and inspection to optimize performance. During the renovation and expansion of its headquarters, 100% of the bank's lighting systems were converted to LED lights, and 100% of the air conditioners were converted to inverter models using environmentally friendly R32 and R410A refrigerants. Simultaneously, SeABank prioritizes the purchase and use of recyclable and reusable items, replacing disposable plastic bottles, containers, and paper cups in offices with glass bottles, cups, and water purifiers.

Digital transformation goes hand in hand with green transformation.

In the process of green transformation, the comprehensive digitalization strategy "Digital Convergence" is a crucial driving force that helps SeABank optimize performance, reduce reliance on physical resources in transaction and operational activities, and thereby reduce carbon emissions compared to traditional banking operations.

SeABank is continuously improving its SeAMobile application and digitizing its banking products and services.

SeABank continuously upgrades its SeAMobile/SeANet digital banking application with over 130 features and utilities such as: eKYC remote account opening; online card issuance; online opening and closing of savings accounts; online loan application; online purchase of lottery tickets, airline tickets, event tickets, insurance, etc. Along with digitizing transactions, SeABank is transitioning to the use of electronic invoices and documents in over-the-counter transactions. These efforts help the bank reduce paper usage and paper waste, limiting carbon emissions from printing, transporting cash, and customer travel to transaction counters.

In November 2024, SeABank successfully upgraded its T24 core banking software to the latest R22 version in the Vietnamese market to support flexible and secure business needs. This is a major step forward in optimizing performance, saving resources, reducing resource consumption, and lowering carbon emissions.

To reduce the need for manual printing and operations, SeABank focuses on automating processes through various technological systems such as: the SeAPayment customer payment management system; the SeAOffice electronic office; the SeAPurchase shopping software; and the SeATeller counter support software... Thanks to comprehensive digital transformation, paper consumption at SeABank headquarters in 2024 decreased by 1.45% compared to 2023, energy consumption and emissions were maintained while the scale and workforce continued to expand.

United in purpose "for the environment"

Implementing a sustainable development strategy aimed at protecting the environment and reducing carbon emissions, SeABank takes many measures to raise awareness and encourage environmental action among individuals, striving to create significant change through small actions.

SeABank organized the "Exchange Waste for Gifts" program to promote green habits.

Accordingly, SeABank actively fosters green habits internally and spreads them to stakeholders through many meaningful programs of the SeAGreen Fund – an internal fund established in 2019 to achieve environmental goals. Typical annual programs aimed at raising environmental awareness include: the "Green the road to SeABank" campaign to use public and environmentally friendly transportation; the "Ocean Cleanup" beach cleanup program; and the SeAHero series of activities during "Citizen Week" with activities such as exchanging trash for gifts, donating and planting trees/trash cans… These activities have been enthusiastically received by employees throughout the system and have had a significant impact on the community, contributing to environmental protection and building a green community.

In particular, the annual SeABank Run for the Future is organized to raise support for the environmental activities of the SeAGreen Foundation. Thanks to this, in 2024, the Foundation collaborated with BRG Group and Nhan Dan Newspaper to plant 68,000 trees, worth a total of VND 1 billion, to green nearly 20 hectares of forest, contributing to the recovery from Typhoon No. 3 and restoring livelihoods for people in Lao Cai province. Since 2010 alone, SeABank has donated and planted nearly 360,000 trees in many provinces and cities nationwide such as Ha Tinh, Thanh Hoa, Dak Lak, Lao Cai, Long An… to green barren land, restore and conserve ecosystems, and support local forestry economic development.

SeABank's efforts in green operational transformation and environmental activities have initially proven effective, with total emissions in Scope 1 in 2024 remaining at 624 tCO2 equivalent, and emissions in Scope 2 in 2024 decreasing by 11.4% compared to 2023, reaching 4,853 tCO2 equivalent. This demonstrates SeABank's strong commitment to carbon emission reduction, affirming its pioneering role in green banking, and making practical contributions to building a green community and a sustainable future.

Source: https://baodautu.vn/seabank-xanh-hoa-van-hanh-nang-cao-y-thuc-bao-ve-moi-truong-vi-muc-tieu-net-zero-d434024.html