Corporate responsibility

Carbon Footprint– Energy management


CO2 emissions
BNP Paribas Fortis continuously strengthens its efforts to reduce carbon emissions by numerous energy saving measures and by purchasing green electricity.
More figures on BNP Paribas’ CO2 emissions.
 
 
Reducing energy consumption
Much investment was made and many organisational measures taken in order to reduce our energy consumption. Highlights are:
 
  • Investments
    Data center management: optimization and better control resulting in an increase of our energy efficiency with more than 12% in the 10 last months.
    Wake On LAN (WOL): Since April 2009, computers can be powered on automatically, using Wake-on-LAN technology, for maintenance during the night. Employees are therefore encouraged to shut down their desktop after working hours to save energy. Awareness is created with messages in elevators, via email, intranet and on the desktop itself. In the branches, PCs are automatically shut down in the evening. Resulting energy savings in Belgium are estimated at 8,6 GWh, equaling the average energy consumption of about 2450 households.
    Shared Workplaces: a pilot is conducted in one building transforming fixed workplaces into flexible workplaces. Empty workplaces can be avoided, reducing the needed surface area and reducing the required energy to cool, heat and ventilate.
    LightING On Telephone (LINGOT): was implemented since June 2009 in 6 of BNP Paribas Fortis’ Corporate Buildings. Employees can now activate lighting in their office before or after the standard office hours (7h to 18h and 7h to 17h on Friday) by simple telephone call.
  • Sustainable buildings
    In 2009 we started the implementation of our Sustainable Building Policy for Corporate Buildings. Sustainable specifications for products, materials and equipments are progressively defined.
    The Belgian branches apply efficient and sustainable standards and guidelines for renovations and works since 2007. A Sustainable Branch Policy has been developed to fix performance targets and project management approaches.
  • Pilote Projects
    Chancellery complex, Corporate Building, Brussels (80,000 m²)
    The renovation, rebuilding and refurbishing of the Chancellery complex (80,000 m2) in Brussels began in 2008.
    The renovated building complex is connected to a geothermal system, using heat of the ground to warm the building.  On top of this, night ventilation, cogeneration, lighting controlled by presence detection, recycled rain water and the use of sustainable materials have been applied to reduce the environmental impact.  

    Ghent Kouter, Corporate Building, Belgium (7,000 m²)
    The Renovation of the Gent Kouter building (7,000 m²) will be finished and entirely operational in 2010. The renovated building
    will recycle rainwater, include condensing boilers, heat recovery units, sunlight protection and a lighting control system. The carpets are free of toxics (halogens,...) certified under the “Sustainable Carpet Assessment”. The roof elements are certified Haute Qualité Environnementale (HQE)
    The buildings insulation has been reinforced to achieve a K39, and a global energy performance of E70 (30% more efficient than the regional legislation).

    Brugge, Branch, Belgium
    During the renovation of the historic branch in Bruges a number of sustainable techniques were implemented such as night ventilation, condensing boilers, continuous monitoring of the energy consumption and the installation of 150 m² photovoltaic panels. The solar energy results in 7,50 Tons CO2 savings per year and an electricity production of 26 MWh/year.                           
     

Green electricity

BNP Paribas Fortis switched to green electricity in Belgium in January 2007, and in Luxembourg in January 2008. The purchase of green electricity by BNPP Fortis in Belgium and Luxembourg green represents over 68% of our electricity worldwide. The CO2 emissions avoided by purchasing green electricity are equivalent to 46,287 tonnes of CO2.