In our ‘house’

Rabobank's environmental responsibility starts at home with its internal environmental management which includes new greener printing practices, waste management and recycling. Highlighted as a priority within the bank’s core business, significant success has also been achieved in reducing the overall consumption of water and energy. Rabobank’s move to new head office premises in Sydney’s Darling Park Tower 3 saw the bank reduce its electricity consumption by 23 per cent, while the head office was awarded a 4.5 NABERS Energy for Offices rating in 2008.

In 2009 Rabobank commissioned a further assessment of the head office environmental practices across energy use, with the bank receiving a commendable 4.5 stars out of a possible 5 star rating.

Going greener

Rabobank has also been successful in working with suppliers to create sustainable partnerships, resulting in the bank’s Sydney head office now meeting 25 per cent of its energy needs from 'green power'. The bank is also commited to developing its Supply Chain Management System, which aims to ensure organisations in the bank’s supply chain operate in a responsible environmental and social framework. The Rabobank Group is also a global leader in its commitment to sustainable practices and actively supports a number of initiatives including innovations in areas including cleantech, sustainable energy and the environment.  

Opportunities on the horizon

Since 2007 Rabobank has had an active cross-departmental climate change group which was boosted in 2009 by the permanent appointment to the Food & Agribusiness Research and Advisory division of a senior analyst specialising in climate change, carbon and sustainability issues. The overall aim of the group is to further explore the sustainability area and facilitate education and dialogue with management and clients, as well as to scope climate change risks and opportunities relevant to Rabobank.