Caring For Environment
2/4

Green
Banking

We are committed to minimising the environmental impact of our operations

To put green banking into practice, we have created a Sustainability Policy which sets out our key principles and sustainable operation practices. We are taking steps towards low-carbon and energy efficient operations, and are working with our customers to protect the environment through online and paperless banking services.

Total Scope 1 & 2 GHG emissions
(Baseline Year: 2019)

100%*

*by the end of 2025

2024 Target
Completion
Status
(Baseline Year: 2019)

Carbon Emissions
Target: 40% reduction by 2025

100%

Electricity Consumption
Target: 17% reduction by 2025

100%

*經碳抵消後整體碳排放(Eng)

Environmental Targets

We have responded to the national and Hong Kong SAR Government’s initiatives and aim to achieve net zero emissions in our own operations by 2030. In pursuit of our target, we have set four major green operational goals for 2025 compared with the baseline year 2019, to manage the environmental footprint of our operations.
Compared with the 2019 baseline year, by the end of 2025, our total Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions decreased by 50%. We also achieved a 28% reduction in water consumption and a 44% reduction in paper procurement, surpassing our original goal significantly.
Four Green Operation Goals
Energy Consumption
Electricity Consumption
100%
reduction by 2025
Carbon Emissions
Carbon Emissions (Scope 1 and 2)
100%
reduction in absolute carbon emissions by 2025
Water Consumption
Water Consumption*
100%
reduction by 2025
Paper Purchase
Paper Consumption*
100%
reduction by 2025

*The reporting of water consumption and paper consumption data covers only the Group’s business outlets, branches, office buildings (owned) and leased offices in Hong Kong during the reporting period. Paper consumption refers to purchases of paper.

Environmental Protection Initiatives

We have implemented a series of environmental management systems at our major business premises:
  • ISO 14001 Environmental Management Systems Certification
  • ISO 50001 Energy Management Systems Certification
  • The Indoor Air Quality Certificate from the Environmental Protection Department
  • The Certificate of Quality Water Supply Scheme for Buildings – Fresh Water (Plus) issued by the Water Supplies Department
  • The Certificate of Quality Water Supply Scheme for Buildings – Flushing Water issued by the Water Supplies Department
BOCHK is selected as "Asia-Pacific Climate Leaders" for four consecutive years (2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025)
Climate Leader 2022-2025
Climate Leader 2022
Climate Leader 2023
Climate Leader 2024

The Financial Times and Statista jointly organised the "Asia-Pacific Climate Leaders" recognition to select companies that have achieved the greatest reductions in core GHG emissions in the Asia-Pacific region. BOCHK have been selected as one of the Hong Kong companies to be honoured for four consecutive years.

The first bank in Hong Kong to achieve carbon neutrality in its owned properties

In June 2024, BOCHK’s two iconic buildings, Bank of China Tower and Bank of China Building, have attained carbon neutrality certified by the China Quality Certification Center (CQCC) and the Hong Kong Quality Assurance Agency (HKQAA). In 2025, we accelerated the implementation of our net-zero roadmap. We expanded the scope to include the BOC Wan Chai Commercial Centre, achieving full carbon neutral management across our three core office buildings. All three buildings have undergone rigorous carbon emission data verification in accordance with ISO 14064 and have been awarded ISO 14068 carbon neutrality certification by an independent third-party organisation, making BOCHK the first enterprise in Hong Kong to obtain this international carbon neutrality accreditation.

Facade lighting of BOC Tower upgraded

An iconic building in Hong Kong, BOC Tower was installed with the latest design of cold anode tubes lighting as early as 2003 to coincide with the launch of the “Hong Kong Skyline Symphony of Lights” nightly show, which highlights the unique silhouette and architectural style of the building. To minimise the carbon emission of our operation, we launched a project to upgrade the total length of 8,000 metres of new LED lamps in the exterior landscaping in 2024. The upgraded landscape lighting has achieved a significant improvement in energy efficiency, with a reduction of over 50% in electricity consumption. This carbon reduction is equivalent to planting 8,498 trees in one year.

Receiving green building qualifications
Receiving green building qualifications

Bank of China Tower, together with BOC Building, BOC Centre, BOC Credit Card Centre and BOC Wan Chai Commercial Centre have been awarded the Platinum rating under BEAM Plus EB V2.0 (Comprehensive Scheme A) by the Hong Kong Green Building Council. Bank of China Tower has also received the “GBA Low Carbon Buildings Top 100 Award” by the Greater Bay Area Carbon Neutrality Association.

Promoting renewable energy
Promoting renewable energy

We have introduced photovoltaic solar panels or wind power systems at suitable properties to achieve self-generated renewable energy. For example, solar panels have been installed and commissioned at the BOC Cheung Sha Wan Building, and new renewable energy facilities are being planned for the Bank of China Centre and the BOC Prince Edward Building.

Emission reduction measures in branches
Emission reduction measures in branches

We continue to advance energy optimisation efforts across our branch network, by optimising branch design and energy-consuming equipment. We are progressively adopting high-efficiency lighting and electrical appliances, such as LED lighting, high-efficiency air conditioning systems, and Grade 1 energy label appliances. Additionally, we have installed intelligent energy metering devices across branches to improve the accuracy and timeliness of energy data collection. This enables precise energy management and accelerate our energy optimisation progress, steadily moving toward our net-zero goals.

Branch staff to wear upgraded eco-friendly uniforms
Branch staff to wear upgraded eco-friendly uniforms

Starting from September 2024, BOCHK allowed branch staff to wear eco-friendly every working day. These upgraded uniforms are crafted from recycled fibres to minimise carbon emissions and water consumption during the production process. This initiative aligns with our commitment to sustainable development, and supports the Bank’s low-carbon operational goals.

Fostering green culture
Fostering green culture

We initiated a series of green-themed activities, including seminars, workshops and the “Low-Carbon Walkathon Chess” event, to foster a culture of sustainability among our staff. These activities have successfully raised awareness and commitment to sustainable development among employees, encouraging them to integrate green practices into their daily routines.

Joining Hands with Customers to Protect the Environment

We actively involve our customers as “green partners” to reduce our impact on the environment. In line with our digital transformation, we offer high-quality and diversified online banking services. We are committed to promoting paperless banking and supporting low-carbon banking.
Actively promote the usage of mobile banking
Actively promote the usage of mobile banking
Total mobile banking customers year-on-year growth
0%
Encourage customers to switch to e-statements
Encourage customers to switch to e-statements
e-statement penetration rate of new customers under 65 years old has increased to
0%
Usage rate of credit card e-statements increased to
Usage rate of credit carde statements increased to
Reduced paper consumption annually
0%
Continue to build digital workflows
Continue to build digital workflows
Total usage of e-forms
0

The above figures are up to the end of 2025

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