HSBC publishes Sustainability Report 2009
HSBC's Sustainability Report 2009, published at the Annual General Meeting on 28th May, covers a broad range of issues including:
- Continued support for our customers during the global economic downturn
- Financing a low carbon economy
- Risk management in lending and other financial services
- Employee engagement
- Investing in communities
- HSBC's environmental footprint
In response to stakeholder feedback, the report focuses on the sustainability priorities for the bank in 2009 – 2010. It also describes the ways HSBC is building sustainability into the fabric of its culture, including how business decisions are made.
The report also looks in detail at HSBC's approach to the management of potential social and environmental risks in its lending and other financial services activities. This includes its implementation of the Equator Principles and sector risk policies, and its engagement with customers on sustainability risk.
Lord Stern, adviser on climate change to HSBC's Group Chairman, comments in the report, "A successful path to a global low carbon economy requires unprecedented collaboration from countries around the world. While developed countries must take the lead in cutting emissions, it will also be crucial for emerging economies to move quickly, and it is these countries that will see the largest share of investments. HSBC continues to look ahead and is well positioned to support its clients around the world in low carbon business opportunities."
Read the report here. (28 page pdf 1,392k)
Hard copies of the report can be ordered from sustainability@hsbc.com
