Starting a sustainable journey
As a financial institution that plays a key role in agricultural and rural development, Agribank clearly recognizes that greening internal operations is an important foundation to realize ESG (Environment - Society - Governance) criteria, especially in the E-Environment pillar. The environmental action program in Agribank's internal operations for the period 2025 - 2026 has just been issued, designed based on the ESG standard set for the period 2024 - 2030 to synchronize with the Green Growth Strategy, circular economy goals and Vietnam's commitment to reduce net emissions.
Some contents that Agribank has implemented in recent years such as saving electricity, water, paper, reducing single-use plastic waste or piloting the Green Transaction Point model have brought initial positive results. However, most of the solutions in this program are new, synchronous and systematic implementation steps, towards comprehensive and profound changes from within.
First of all, the bank continues to promote and expand measures to effectively use resources, minimizing waste. The bank has strongly implemented the digitalization of office processes, the use of digital signatures, electronic records archiving and sending documents via email instead of traditional printing. In addition, establishing a standard two-sided printing mode and using QR codes instead of paper documents in meetings will significantly reduce paper consumption and save operating costs. This is an effective step, not only helping to protect forests but also demonstrating pioneering in applying technology to serve sustainable development goals.
At the same time, with the reduction of paper, at branches across the Agribank system, a small but meaningful change has been taking place, which is the campaign " Say no to single-use plastic waste". The bank proactively eliminates single-use plastic products and replaces them with environmentally friendly materials such as glass bottles, bamboo straws and fabric bags. These actions have sent a message of environmental protection awareness, encouraging everyone to join hands to reduce plastic waste, one of the most threatening problems on the planet.
Continuing the greening journey, Agribank also focuses on saving energy and water. To optimize usage, Agribank plans to deploy a series of smart solutions such as installing energy-saving LED lights, light sensors to make the most of natural light... In addition, sense water hoses and regular leak inspection also contribute to effective water saving. Agribank has gone even further in researching and implementing the reuse of gray water for auxiliary purposes, demonstrating scientific and sustainable resource management.
Understanding the impact of vehicle emissions on the environment, Agribank has implemented initiatives to encourage green transportation. The bank initially plans to propose supporting buses to pick up and drop off employees, encouraging the use of bicycles or electric bicycles. For the service vehicle fleet, optimizing routes and fuel is a top priority, aiming to switch to energy-saving vehicles in the near future. This will be a remarkable effort, contributing to reducing air pollution in urban areas.
In addition to the above goals, the bank will manage scientific waste according to unified standards: classify waste at source, arrange waste classification bins with visual instructions; treat wastewater according to standards and conduct periodic inspections. This is an item that has been implemented in many places but is not yet synchronous, so the program will help unify and improve the efficiency of the entire system.
Building a green lifestyle and a strict monitoring system
The special thing and difference of the Program is the building of a green lifestyle from the roots. Agribank not only makes regulations but also organizes internal training sessions, seminars and communication to raise awareness for staff and employees.
Activities such as "For a Green Future", " Say No to Plastic Waste", "Green Mobility Day", "Green Living Challenge" ... were launched, creating a vibrant and active emulation movement in the entire system. Agribank has also piloted and replicated the models of "Green Transaction Point" and "Green Office", while linking green criteria to the emulation and reward system, creating strong motivation for each individual.
The program implementation process was closely monitored and made public. Units periodically report, results are made public and effective models are promptly rewarded, replicated throughout the system.
Starting from internal changes, Agribank is gradually realizing the goal of becoming a comprehensive green bank. Each cost-effective initiative, each green action of today's staff and workers not only helps optimize operating costs but also builds the image of a pioneering, responsible and sustainable bank. From there, those positive green values will strongly spread to customers, partners and the community. Agribank not only provides financial products and services but also inspires a green, responsible lifestyle.
Strategic value of the Action Program
The issuance of the Environmental Action Program in Agribank's internal operations for the period 2025 - 2026 (project) has many profound strategic significances.
First of all, this is a step to concretize ESG commitments and national strategies. The program is a practical implementation of the Environmental - Social - Governance (ESG) standard set in the Agribank system for the period 2024 - 2030, while realizing the goals in the Green Growth Strategy and the greenhouse gas emission reduction plan of Vietnam. This is the basis for Agribank to not only comply with policies but also proactively lead the green transformation trend in the finance and banking sectors.
Next, the program opens up opportunities to build long-term competitive advantages. In the context of ESG becoming a mandatory requirement when accessing international capital and expanding cooperation, proactively implementing green criteria synchronously will help Agribank enhance brand reputation, affirm competitiveness and anticipate more stringent global standards.
At the same time, the program will gradually elevate corporate culture. When green criteria are integrated into emulation and reward, they will shape the behavior and awareness of cadres and employees. Green culture therefore does not stop at slogans but becomes habits, becomes a sustainable lifestyle, thereby spreading to customers and the community.
In particular, the social and environmental impact of the program will become increasingly clear when implemented synchronously: reducing emissions, saving resources, improving the living environment; at the same time creating an inspiring effect for customers and partners, contributing to promoting green consumption and investment in society.
With the newly issued green action program, Agribank is placing the first bricks for a sustainable development strategy from within. Some contents have been implemented, creating a good foundation; many new solutions are being prepared to soon become a reality in the period of 2025 - 2026.
