Eastern Bank : Sustainability Reports 2023

SUSTAINABILITY REPORT

206 EASTERN BANK PLC. ANNUAL REPORT 2023

Sustainability Report

Foreword

Transitioning towards sustainable banking necessitates a fundamental shift in mindset-one that prioritizes societal and environmental well-beingalongside financial goals. In the face of escalating climate crises, banks must swiftly adopt sustainability as its core principle as they actively participate in an economic environment where their financial decisions have influence on present and future of the people, planet and profit of the organization. Heightened expectations from customers, regulators, investors, employees, and the public demand greater transparency and accountability compelling banks to proactively embrace sustainable practices.

EBL's enduring commitment to excellence has supported its steady and sustainable growth over three decades. Recognizing our duty to clients, investors, and communities, we prioritize trust-building as a foundation to its success. To us, sustainability is not a mere

responsibility; it represents an opportunity to make meaningful changes and foster community betterment.

In this report, for the first time EBL is disclosing greenhouse gas (GHG) emission at portfolio level through Carbon Accounting calculation in partnership with Joint Impact Model (JIM) Foundation and DEG (German Development Financial Institution). JIM enables the quantification of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, indirect jobs, and value added related to EBL's financing. This JIM Carbon Accounting model is based on standards set by PCAF (Partnership for Carbon Accounting Financials). This underscores our commitment to addressing climate challenges and aligning with the SDGs. This is our continuation of pilot project with JIM foundation which we

took in 2022. Now EBL is able to calculate amount of CO2 and Non- CO2 emission from the business loans that we are financing and

also bringing comparability, accountability, and transparency to the financial sector of Bangladesh by measuring key impact indicators.

Extending beyond financial gains, EBL's endeavors encompass societal well-being and environmental stewardship. We firmly believe in the imperative of a social mission for every business, understanding that neglecting social and environmental factors undermines long-term economic success. At EBL, we prioritize consumer satisfaction, digital advancement, product innovation, staff engagement, and financial performance, leveraging today's technology to amplify our impact on people, planet and profit in a sustainable way.

As a pioneer in the nation's financial landscape, EBL leads by example, advocating best practices and driving industry standards. For us, sustainability entails not just ethical operations but also making positive contributions to our community and stakeholders. Over three decades, EBL has played a pivotal role in shaping Bangladesh's financial ecosystem, deeply intertwined with the country's growth narrative.

In 2023, EBL made significant strides towards advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Our efforts included promoting financial inclusion through agent and sub-branchoutlets, hosting webinars on education and gender equality, and developing low-cost products for women entrepreneurs. Notably, we disbursed substantial funds towards green financing and sustainable projects, reflecting our commitment to environmental conservation and social progress. Key achievements of 2023 are:

18.5% Green Finance disbursement as % of total term loan

40.4% Sustainable Finance disbursement as % of total finance

Estimated portfolio level greenhouse gas emission (Scope 3 emission for the Bank)

Conducted Environmental & Social Due Diligence of more than 6,500 customers

BDT 5,996 million to import energy efficient machineries to promote transition finance & to reduce carbon emission

EBL remains dedicated to financing eco-friendly projects and fostering energy efficiency. We have implemented an Environment and Social Risk Management System to assess project risks and promote cleaner energy financing in alignment with our climate change mitigation efforts. Collaborating with multilateral organizations like IFC, DEG, ADB, and others, EBL upholds sustainable banking practices.

We are proud to present the progress EBL has made in sustainability

and invite all stakeholders to join us in our journey towards creating

a brighter future for Bangladesh and beyond as we unveil the Sustainability Report 2023.

M. Khurshed Alam

Chairman, Sustainable Finance Committee

Organizational	Stewardship	Information for	Governance	Risk	Integrated	Sustainability	Corporate Social	Management Discussion	Financial	Supplementary	207
Overview		Stakeholders	Reports	Management	Report	Report	Responsibility	and Analysis	Reports	Information

This sustainability report issued by Eastern Bank PLC. provides a consolidated non-financial information relating to the organization's progress on Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) matters for the financial year 2023.

As defined in the Brundtland Report-"World Commission on Environment and Development, Our Common Future, 1987", the sustainable development is the development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. A financial institution has effect on the economy, environment and people through their financial decisions and business relationships which is either negative or positive. The purpose of sustainability reporting using the GRI Sustainability Reporting Standards is to provide information maintaining transparency on how an organization directly or indirectly contributes to sustainable development.

To meet the stakeholders expectation through setting international reporting standards, EBL has taken initiative to develop bank's GRI sustainability report in accordance with the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) 2021 Universal Standards which will be published shortly after the annual report is published. From now on, EBL will

produce separate full scale Sustainability Report following GRI Guidelines including GRI Content Index and page reference.

For more details visit:

https://www.ebl.com.bd/

Our approach towards sustainability

Sustainability has become a cornerstone for the advancement of emerging market economies. In the financial arena, risk pervades all business activities. At EBL, we acknowledge the significance of effectively managing risk, particularly in the territory of environmental and social factors, as an integral component of

our responsible and sustainable growth strategy. Our endeavors to navigate these risks not only strengthen EBL's resilience and sustainability for the future but also enable us to better serve our

customers, communities, shareholders, and employees.

EBL's approach towards sustainability

Sustainable banking/Environmental &	Environmental & Social Risk	Dedicated Environmental
Social Risk Management (ESRM) policy	Management procedure	& Social Risk team

Effectively managing environmental and social risks constitutes a pivotal aspect of our bank's strategy for sustainable growth. In 2012, EBL introduced the 'Green Banking Policy', subsequently renamed the 'Environmental and Social Risk Management Policy in 2016', to enhance clarity and transparency in our approach toward environmental and social risks. Since then, we have extended our assessment to include social risks, encompassing a range of social parameters alongside environmental factors for comprehensive risk evaluation.

Strategic focus in 2023

• Measure greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (both CO2 and non- CO2) from the businesses we are financing.
• Increasing investment in green financing through investing more in energy-efficient capital machines.
• Investing in innovative ICT enabled products and services, gender-based financing to promote financial inclusion.
• Driving the business and recovery process according to the economic target for sustainable business growth.
• Implementing Environmental and Social Due Diligence (ESDD) in the eligible loan portfolio to evaluate environmental and social impacts.
• Reviewing and implementing policies by regulators to strengthen the governance structure.

• Encouraging green initiatives in our daily activities throughout our premises.

Sustainability strategy goals 2023

As per Bangladesh Bank's Sustainable Finance Department guideline, EBL sets its annual disbursement target for green finance and sustainable finance at the beginning of the calendar year on the basis of its immediate past year's net loan outstanding. But actual achievement at year end is calculated based on disbursement made throughout the year.

As per Bangladesh Bank, disbursement target is min 5% of total term loan excluding staff loan for green finance and min 20% of total loan target excluding staff loan for sustainable finance.

Green Finance Achievement: 18.5%

(Target: 5% of total term loan excluding staff loan)

Sustainable Finance Achievement: 40.4%

(Target: 20% of total loan excluding staff loan)

208 EASTERN BANK PLC. ANNUAL REPORT 2023

Sustainability governance

EBL stands at the forefront of Bangladesh's banking sector in embracing international best practices regarding corporate social responsibility and good governance. Our primary objective is to lead in sustainable finance.

Role of Board of Directors

The regulations established by the Board of Directors (BoD) concerning sustainability are as follows:

• The Board of Directors, with the exception of matters reserved for the Annual General Meeting (AGM), holds exclusive authority to approve general policies and strategies, particularly those pertaining to sustainability.

• The BoD supervises the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Policy, ensuring its adherence and its goal to generate value for the Bank.

Role of Sustainable Finance Committee (SFC)

EBL operates a Sustainable Finance Committee (SFC), chaired by a Deputy Managing Director (DMD), comprising heads of various divisions focused on sustainability. Details on committee members can be found on page 32 under 'Management Committee' segment. This

committee convenes at least quarterly to formulate, review and update

all policies & guidelines relating to sustainable finance functions as

well as to approve, supervise, monitor and evaluate the activities of

sustainable finance unit.

Organizational Structure for E & S Governance

Audit Committee				Board of Directors

Executive Committee (EC)

Senior Management (MD, DMD/AMD)

Head of Credit (CRO)

Head of Credit		Head of
Administration		Credit Risk
Department (CAD)		Management (CRM)

Officials of Credit Risk Management (CRM)

Credit Officer

Risk Management Committee

(RMC)

Sustainable Finance Committee

Head of Sustainable Finance

Unit (SFU)

Periodic Reporting of E&S

Rating of Credits

Monitoring of Compliance of

E&S Rating

Role of Sustainable Finance Unit (SFU)

EBL has a Sustainable Finance Unit (SFU), chaired by Head of Credit Risk Management comprising members from Corporate Division, Credit Risk Management Division, Risk Management Division etc. Sustainable Finance Unit is responsible for designing, reviewing and administering sustainable policies in the Bank.

Role of Credit Risk Management & Internal Control systems

having social or environmental implications, issuing non-binding

recommendations to relevant decision-making bodies.

As a third line of defense following business units and credit risk management teams, the internal audit team conducts regular assessments of the Environmental & Social Risk Management (ESRM) system's implementation, sustainable banking, and green office guidelines. Our organizational culture revolves around six core values, refer to the page 13, fostering a framework for corporate governance and sustainable development.

Credit Risk Management (CRM) team evaluates client level E&S risks as well as reputational risks associated with financial transactions

ESG Highlights 2023

Environmental (Sustainable Finance & support climate transition)

Strategic ambition: Adoption of climate financing and helping our customer in their transition to a sustainable and low carbon economy.

Carbon Accounting: Green House Gas (GHG) Emission

Calculation

EBL is disclosing Green House Gas (GHG) emission at portfolio level through Carbon Accounting calculation in partnership with Joint Impact Model (JIM) Foundation and DEG (German Development Financial Institute). The JIM enables the quantification of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, indirect jobs, and value addition related to EBL's financing. This JIM Carbon Accounting model is based on standards set by PCAF (Partnership for Carbon Accounting Financials).

On 5th June, EBL in observance of World Environment Day hosted a seminar on the 'Role of Financial Institutions to Address Climate Change Adaptation & Mitigation' at its head office.

	EBL financed in 4 LEED certified			6,746 customers
	projects in 2023 which is an			We have conducted
	increasingly attractive business
			Environment & Social
	segment. In Total 19 of our
	customer are LEED certified.			Due Diligence (ESDD).
BDT	176 customers
This financing was made to import	385
5,996
energy efficient machinery for		green
million	transition and to reduce carbon		customers
	emission from their operations.

EBL and icddr,b partners for Bio Hazardous Waste Management project of icddr,b.

BDT 7,444 million

In 2023, EBL has financed in sustainable agriculture.

BDT 1,180 million

Green Finance

Disbursement

Social (Contribution to generate positive returns to society)

Strategic ambition: Support inclusion across our main stakeholders, employees, customers and communities.

BDT 600,000+

Humanitarian aid to earthquake victims of

Turkey through Turkish Embassy

In 2023, EBL donated blankets to	1,00,000 pcs+
helpless cold affected people.

BDT 2,879 million

EBL has financed in sustainable

finance under CMSME to be part of our

country's development goal.

1,29,518 People

In 2023 we have financed 1,29,518 people under sustainable financing.

EBL provided donation to patients for kidney transplant purpose, bilateral avascular necrosis treatment, cancer treatment, diabetic awareness etc. Also donation was done for children with

special needs.

BDT 8,000 million+

Financed in different socially responsible projects such as:

• Green/Clean transportation projects (cycles, hybrid car, green vehicles),
• Health and Healthcare Services, educational institutions/scholarship programs or EdTech startup,
• Projects supporting women entrepreneurs,
• Financing/Investment through MFI (MRA Regulated)/ NGO (Govt. Approved) linkage mode for capacity building, education, employment generation including self-employment.

Governance (Embed ESG across the organization)

Strategic ambition: Incorporate ESG into behaviors, policies, processes and governance throughout the Bank.

EBL further progressed operationalization of its responsible banking agenda, including adopting Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) based sustainability reporting for 2023.

4,805 employees

In 2023, we have trained employees on anti-money laundering to ensure awareness and measures to be taken to prevent such issues.

The Group further incorporated

Sustainable Banking updates into the Board of Directors' agenda for at least quarterly interval

The Bank rolled out program of

mandatory training on internal control and governance related aspects, including mandatory ESG training for all employees.

The Bank continued its focus on

embedding ESG risks and opportunities

into its risk management and other strategic management processes.

8R approach to sustainability

Refuse	Reduce
Refuse to do business with clients	Reducing unnecessary energy
who are damaging environment	consumption (Electricity, fuel, water)

Refine		Reuse
Refining Processes to increase		Reuse of paper, different
efficiency & productivity		printed stationary items.
Renew		Recycle
Use of renewable energy in		Recycled water used
12 branches and HO		in washroom
	Looking back
	on our sustainability
Respond	endeavors in 2023, we take	Responsibility
Brought down our	pride in our consistent adherence
response time from	to the 8R strategy	Selecting good borrower &
empowering employees.
0-5 days to 0-4 days.

Climate change mitigation

	of the seminar. Ms. Nurun Nahar, Deputy Governor, Bangladesh
	Bank and the chief guest on the occasion said, "Addressing the
	challenges posed by climate change requires collective action,
	unwavering commitment and innovative solutions. We must
	ensure that businesses, communities and individuals have
	access to affordable credit facilities to implement climate-smart
	practices."
	Ali Reza Iftekhar, Managing Director of EBL highlighted the
	urgency of addressing climate change and emphasized the
	pivotal role that financial institutions play in driving positive
EBL holds seminar on climate change at its Head Office	change. Chowdhury Liakat Ali, Director (SFD), Bangladesh
Eastern Bank PLC. (EBL) in observance of World Environment Day	Bank; Dr. Shah Md. Ahsan Habib, Professor (Selection Grade),
hosted a seminar on the "Role of Financial Institutions to Address	BIBM; K.M. Rezaul Hasanat, Chairman, Viyellatex Group also
Climate Change Adaptation & Mitigation" at the Bank's head	participated in the discussion. M. Khurshed Alam, Chairman,
office on 05 June 2023. Dr. Fazle Rabbi Sadeque Ahmed, DMD,	Sustainable Finance Committee, DMD & CRO, EBL moderated
Environment and Climate Change, PKSF was the keynote speaker	the seminar.

Organizational	Stewardship	Information for	Governance	Risk	Integrated	Sustainability	Corporate Social	Management Discussion	Financial	Supplementary	211
Overview		Stakeholders	Reports	Management	Report	Report	Responsibility	and Analysis	Reports	Information

Carbon Accounting

EBL has initiated the first ever carbon accounting for any local bank

in Bangladesh in collaboration with DEG, the German Development

Finance Institution and their partner, the Joint Impact Model (JIM) Foundation.

The Joint Impact Model (JIM) empowers users with the ability to gauge financial flows across the economy and assess their consequential impacts in economic (value added), social (employment), and environmental (greenhouse gas emissions) dimensions. Leveraging input data such as revenue and power production derived from investment portfolios, JIM facilitates

CO2	CH4			N2O
purchased goods				Scope 1
and services	Scope 2
capital			DIRECT
INDIRECT
goods		Scope 3
Fuel and	purchased	INDIRECT
energy
related	electricity,
activities	steam, heating
	& cooling for
	own use			company
transportation				Facilities
and distribution
waste generated

HFCs

transportation and distribution

processing of sold products

use of sold products

end-of-life treatment of sold products

PFCs

SF6

JIM coverage

Scope 3

INDIRECT

in operations			leased	company
business			assets
		vehicles
employee
travel
	commuting

leased assets

franchises	investments

Upstream activities

Reporting company

Downstream activities

estimations that aid in understanding the multifaceted effects of economic activities.

These impacts serve as metrics for evaluating and disclosing the contributions of EBL towards the objectives outlined in the Paris Agreement and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

To prevent warming beyond 1.5 degree Celsius (1.5C), the world needs to reach net zero emissions by 2050. The financial industry can facilitate the transition in line with the Paris Climate Agreement by shifting capital flows from high to low carbon activities. A key first step in making this shift is harmonized and transparent Greenhouse gas (GHG) accounting. This JIM methodology uses the standard set by PCAF (Partnership for Carbon Accounting Financials).

SCOPE	Direct emissions from owned or controlled
01	sources.
SCOPE	Indirect emissions from the generation of
02	purchased energy.
SCOPE	All indirect emissions (excluded in Scope 2) that
occur in the value chain of the client. The JIM covers
03	the upstream side of Scope 3 and only investment
	portion in the downstream side of Scope 3.

Financed emission

478.2	27.1	256.8

0.23	370.7

285.3

(thousand ton CO2 emission)	Jobs supported as a result of financing	(thousands job supported)
1,105.7		312.6		1,418.3			431			119
				210

Scope 1	Scope 2	Scope 3	Total	Total	Total	Total formal	Total female
			CO2		Non CO2		emission	employment	employment	employment

Total Carbon emission by EBL's portfolio and total job opportunities created through EBL's financing

• Total Scope 1, 2 & 3 greenhouse gas emission of EBL's customers is 1,418,330 ton CO2, where CO2 contributes 1,105,700 ton CO2 and non- CO2 emission is 312,630 ton CO2.

212 EASTERN BANK PLC. ANNUAL REPORT 2023

• Total Scope 1 & 2 greenhouse gas emission of EBL's customers is 762,330 ton CO2.
• This emissions is focusing primarily on business loans, which account for 89.3% of EBL's total portfolio.
• Emission per 10 million BDT financing is 40.13 ton CO2.
• Scope 3 takes up the largest part of financed emission (46%), followed by Scope 1 emission (36%) and Scope 2 emission (18%).
• Of the total jobs supported as a result of investments 49% results in formal employment and 27% in female employment.
• Most jobs supported by the following sectors: Food and allied industries, RMG (manufacture of other wearing apparel and accessories), basic metal product, retail trading and textiles.

High-level breakdown of scope 1, 2 & 3 emissions

Total scope 1 & 2 emissions (thousand ton CO2 emission)

Power		Ship breaking
38.81%		industries/other
(5.03% pe*)		manufacturing
		or extractive
		industries
		13.65% (5.81%
			pe*)

		Paper & paper		Rubber & plastic		Food and allied
Cement &		products 4.21%		industries 3.92%		industries. 1.70%
	(2.21% pe*)		(1.22% pe*)		(8.16% pe*)
ceramic
industries 8.13%
(2.07% pe*)
		Electrical		Chemical,		Machinery except
		machinery 5.07%		fertilizer etc.		electrical 1.66%
		(2.21% pe*)		3.91% (1.65% pe*)		(0.86% pe*)
Pharmaceutical
industry 5.34%		Basic metal		Crops 2.10%		Furniture &
(2.68% pe*)
	product 5.18%		(1.63% pe*)		Fixture 1.55%
		(7.48% pe*)				(0.66% pe*)

Total scope 3 emissions (thousand ton CO2 emission)

RMG 1.23%		Textile 0.33%
(11.45% pe*)		(5.65% pe*)

Others 3.03%		Infrastructure
(37.97% pe*)		development
		0.20% (3.24% pe*)

RMG 9.09%

Others 6.95%

Cement & ceramic

Food and allied

industries 3.30%

(11.45% pe*)

(37.97% pe*)

(2.07% pe*)

industries.

Chemical,

Crops 1.21%

10.92% (8.16%

fertilizer etc.

(1.63% pe*)

pe*)

1.97% (1.65% pe*)

Power

Basic metal

Infrastructure

Paper & paper

Pharmaceutical

14.84%

product 13.16%

development

products 5.18%

industry 3.08%

(5.03% pe*)

(7.48% pe*)

6.09% (3.24% pe*)

(2.21% pe*)

(2.68% pe*)

Ship breaking

industries/other

Machinery except

Furniture

manufacturing

Rubber & plastic

Electrical

or extractive

electrical 1.34%

& Fixture 1.06%

industries 9.40%

Textile 5.89%

industries 3.58%

machinery

(0.86% pe*)

(0.66% pe*)

(5.81% pe*)

(5.65% pe*)

(1.22% pe*)

2.94% (2.21% pe*)

Total scope 1, 2 & 3 emissions (thousand ton CO2 emission)

RMG 4.86%

Pharmaceutical

Chemical,

industry 4.29%

fertilizer etc.

Basic metal

(11.45% pe*)

(2.68% pe*)

3.01% (1.65% pe*)

Infrastructure

Crops 1.69%

Product 8.87%

Power

Ship breaking

(7.48% pe*)

development

(1.63% pe*)

2.93% (3.24% pe*)

27.73%

industries/other

Cement & ceramic

Electrical

(5.03% pe*)

manufacturing

Others 4.84%

industries 5.90%

machinery 4.08%

or extractive

(37.97% pe*)

(2.07% pe*)

(2.21% pe*)

industries

11.68% (5.81%

pe*)

Food and allied

Machinery except

Furniture &

industries. 5.96%

Paper & paper

Rubber & plastic

Textile 2.90%

electrical 1.51%

Fixture 1.32%

(8.16% pe*)

products 4.66%

industries 3.76%

(0.86% pe*)

(0.66% pe*)

(5.65% pe*)

(2.21% pe*)

(1.22% pe*)

Organizational	Stewardship	Information for	Governance	Risk	Integrated	Sustainability	Corporate Social	Management Discussion	Financial	Supplementary	213
Overview		Stakeholders	Reports	Management	Report	Report	Responsibility	and Analysis	Reports	Information

• The results show that 'power' drives the scope 1&2 emissions with 38.81% of total scope 1&2 emissions, and it also has the highest emission factor*. Ship breaking industries/other manufacturing or extractive industries holds the second position with 13.65%.
• For only scope 3 emission 'Power', 'Basic Metal Product' and 'Food and Allied Industries' drive the emission respectively at 14.84%, 13.16% and 10.92%.
• Scope 1 & 2 emission factor* for EBL's portfolio is 237; whereas Scope 1, 2 & 3 emission factor* is 441.

• Emission factor: ton CO2 emission per million USD financing

EBL's participation in Future of Finance Conference in the Netherlands to highlight portfolio wise carbon emission calculation of EBL

Seminar on JIM's Carbon Accounting model in the 'Future of Finance' Conference; 04 October 2023, Amsterdam, Netherlands

On October 4, 2023; the JIM Foundation hosted an event at the Future of Finance conference organized by FMO - Dutch entrepreneurial development bank in Amsterdam, Netherlands to introduce new Joint Impact Model (carbon accounting) tool and its upcoming new features. Some of the key

features that are going to be integrated in the model are climate and bio- diversity risk, transition planning and physical activity tool in collaboration with Climate TRACE, UNEP Climate Finance Unit, and EDFIs.

Tanvir Hasan, E&S risk specialist of EBL, joined the seminar as a panelist representing EBL. He highlighted EBL's journey towards sustainability and how EBL is setting ambitious carbon reduction targets in line with international climate agreements by using this JIM tool. He discussed on how EBL is actively exploring investment opportunities in renewable energy, green technologies, and sustainable infrastructure projects. Alongside, Bangladesh's struggle due to climate change was discussed in the panel. He also mentioned EBL's risk assessment methodologies to factor in climate- related risks and opportunities, ensuring that financial decisions align with a low-carbon,sustainable future.

Environmental sustainability

In-house green initiative

Plastic free premise	Most of the banking	Green features	Capacity building session
	solutions through EBL	in head office	for all new joiners on "E&S
	Skybanking app		management"

EBL firmly believes that even the smallest 'Green' actions today pave the way for a more sustainable future, and each individual can play a part in crafting a better world. With meticulous planning and efficient management, EBL has minimized the wastage of natural resources.

Sustainable banking is integral to EBL's mission. From funding ventures dedicated to renewable energy to embracing simple yet impactful practices such as energy conservation and paperless operations, we recognize the significance of every incremental effort in safeguarding our environment.

Auto sensor lights

Use of natural light

214 EASTERN BANK PLC. ANNUAL REPORT 2023

To maximize the utilization of resources that is non-renewable in nature, EBL has always been conscious. As water is an important natural element of environment, we made sure of optimizing the usage of this resource in best possible way.

	BDT in million
Resource utilization	2023	2022
Cost of water consumed by the Bank	3.58	3.09
Cost of paper consumed by the Bank	10.52	4.68
Cost of energy (electricity, fuel, and gas)	137.21	125.51
consumed by the Bank

Water treatment plant & fire pump system

At EBL head office, we have two water treatment plants to ensure the water we use is clean and safe. Firstly, water from the supply undergoes in the raw water treatment plant. This treated water is then used in the basin and pantry areas. After its use in the basin and pantry, the water goes through another treatment process in a separate plant. This treated water is then reused in the toilets. Both of these treatment plants have a capacity of 20m3/hr. Additionally, we have a fire pump system in place. This system is vital for fire protection within our buildings and facilities. It is designed to provide high-pressure water to sprinkler systems, fire hydrants, and other fire suppression systems during emergencies. This ensures that we have enough water flow and pressure to effectively combat fires and safeguard lives and property.

Water Treatment Plant

Fire Pump Room

Plastic free premise

In 2023, the slogan of world environment day was "Solution to plastic pollution". EBL has always taken initiatives that has greater impact on economy, environment and community. And hence, a significant stride towards reducing our ecological footprint is our transition to a plastic-free EBL. Plastic water bottles have been replaced with eco-friendlyalternatives, and we actively encourage all employees to eschew their usage. This initiative extends beyond official functions; it is a cultural shift we are fostering throughout the organization.

Furthermore, we have implemented changes in our daily procedures,

substituting plastic folders with their paper counterparts, and continually seek opportunities to further diminish our plastic consumption. We believe that each small step towards sustainability holds the potential for significant impact in future.

Climate change & carbon footprint

Climate change has emerged as an urgent concern with extensive ramifications for our planet. Its impact extends across various facets of our ecosystem, affecting biodiversity, agriculture, forestry, and water supply. Bangladesh stands out as one of the most severely affected regions by climate change, drawing global attention to its plight. In line with its commitment to corporate social responsibility and environmental consciousness, EBL has embraced the concept of green banking. Recognizing its role in emitting greenhouse gases, whether directly or indirectly through client and project financing, EBL views green banking as not only a step towards environmental protection but also as a strategy for ensuring sustainable long-term economic growth.

	BDT 15,103 million			BDT 3,198 million
	Green finance (term loan)				Financed in green
	outstanding as on 31				establishments
	December 2023
	BDT 1,637					BDT 80
	million					million
	Financed to Information				Financed to green
	and Communication						CMSME
	Technology
Protecting environment		2023	2022
Number of customers eligible for		6,746	462
Environmental & Social Due Diligence
(ESDD)
Number of customers appraised for		6,746	462
environmental risk rating
Low		6,684	382
Medium		62	48
High		0	32
Installed capacity of solar energy to run	16	16
bank premises and ATMs (in Kilowatt)
Percentage of Bank branches connected	100%	100%
online