Sustainable finance looks at environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors in both market practice and policy frameworks for banking, capital markets, investment and insurance. It aims at introducing environmental, social, and governance standards as well as risk management to the lending practices of banks and FIs to promote stability of financial systems in developing countries and channel finance to responsible entities.

Sustainable Finance is a work-stream to support the delivery on the objectives of Green Products/Projects/Initiatives by channeling private investment into the transition to a climate- neutral, climate-resilient, low-carbon, more resource-efficient, green, competitive and inclusive sustainable economy. Sustainable Finance has a key role to play in mobilizing the necessary capital to deliver on the policy objectives as national and international commitments on climate and sustainability objectives. It has to go with the UN 2030 agenda and SDGs and the Paris Climate Agreement. It has to go with the 8^th 5YR plan and other perspective plans.

Being a responsible corporate entity, National Bank Limited always projects its focus to sustainability issues not only for the business but also for the environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors in its day to day activities in order to help the country achieve SDGs.

List of National Bank’s Green Products/Projects/Initiatives applicable for Term Finance

Renewable Energy

• Solar Home System
• Solar Pico Grid
• Solar Micro Grid
• Solar Park
• Solar Irrigation Pumping System
• Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Assembly/Manufacturing Plant
• Solar Water Heater Assembling/Manufacturing Plant
• Solar Nano Grid
• Solar Mini Grid
• Net Metering Rooftop Solar System
• Solar Pump for Drinking Water
• Solar Cooker Assembly/Manufacturing Plant
• Solar Air Heater & Cooling System Assembly/Manufacturing Plant
• Solar Powered Cold Storage
• Small size Biogas Plants - 1.2, 1.6, 2.0, 2.4, 3.2 and 4.8 cubic meter gas production per day.
• Medium size Biogas Plant - capacity 6 to 25 cubic meter gas production per day
• Large size Biogas Plant - capacity 26 to 200 cubic meter gas production per day and above.
• Integrated Cow Rearing and Setting up of Bio-gas Plant
• Wind Power Plant
• Hydropower Plant

Energy & Resource Efficiency

• Installation of Energy Auditor Certified machineries including boiler in industries for following purposes:
  • Energy efficiency
  • Resource efficiency
  • Heat and temperature management
  • Air ventilation and circulation efficiency
  • Waste Heat Recovery System/Unit
• Auto Sensor Power Switch Assembly Plant
• Energy Efficient Cook Stove Assembly Plant
• LED Bulb/Tube Manufacturing/Assembly Plant
• Energy Efficient Lime Kiln
• Improved Rice Parboiling System

Alternative Energy

• Pyrolysis Processed Oil/Bio-crude Oil/Bio Fuel Manufacturing Plant

Liquid Waste Management

• Biological ETP
• Combination of Biological and Chemical ETP
• Conversion of Chemical ETP into Combination of Biological and Chemical ETP
• Central ETP
• Waste Water Treatment Plant
• Sewage Water Treatment Plant

Solid Waste Management

• Methane Recovery and Power Production from City/Municipal Waste Plant
• Compost Production from City/Municipal Waste Plant
• Hazardous Waste Management Unit/Plant
• Medical Waste Management Unit/Plant
• E-Waste Management Unit/Plant
•  Sludge Management Unit/Plant

Recycling & Manufacturing of Recyclable Goods

• PET Bottle Recycling Plant
• Plastic Waste (PVC, PP, LDPE, HDPE, PS) Recycling Plant
• Paper Recycling Plant
• Recyclable Bag Manufacturing Plant
• Recyclable Poly Propylene Thread and Bag Manufacturing Plant
• Battery (Solar/Led Acid/Lithium Ion) Recycling Plant

Environment Friendly Brick Production

• Compressed Block-Brick
• Foam Concrete Brick
• Environment Friendly/Brick Kiln Efficiency Improvement Project (Tunnel Kiln and HHK)

Green/Environment Friendly Establishments

• Establishment of Green Industry certified by appropriate authority (In Bangladesh - SREDA, Internationally - USGBC-LEED, BREEAM, CASBEE, EDGE, GRIHA)
• Establishment of Green Building certified by appropriate authority (In Bangladesh - SREDA, Internationally - USGBC-LEED, BREEAM, CASBEE, EDGE, GRIHA)
• Establishment of Green Featured Buildings
• Concerning Factory working environment and safety (Fire defense system, disaster defense and prevention system, workers’ health safety system)

Green Agriculture

• Earthworm compost manure (Vermicompost) production
• Palm oil production
• Organic manure production from slurry
• Forestation (Social/integrated/Agro)
• Organic Farming
• Rooftop Agriculture/Vertical Farming or Gardening
• Fish cultivation in cage
• Biofloc fish cultivation
• Integrated Recycling System (IRS) fish cultivation/Bottom clean fish cultivation
• Financing in coastal aquaculture
• Floating system cultivation, Hydroponic cultivation/farming

Green CMSME

• Financing in Cottage Industry

Green Socially Responsible Financing (SRF)

• Community Investment for addressing Climate Resilience and Disaster Management in a concessional rate (finance to clean air, clean water, minimizing industrial and municipal waste, recovery and protection of water bodies, marshy lands, expansion of green coastal belt, water purification, sustainable sanitation, water blockage mitigation, soil and water salinity mitigation, river erosion prevention) 
• Financing in Green/Clean transportation projects (cycles, green vehicles those run on wind, solar energy, electricity, bio-fuels etc.)
• Financing in Sand-witch Panel (Floating or Movable Houses in coastal areas or climate vulnerable zone)
• Financing in Govt. approved Eco-Tourism Project

List of National Bank’s Products under Sustainable Linked Finance (SLF)

Sustainable Agriculture

• Crops
• Irrigation equipment
• Agro-equipment
• Live-stock and poultry farming
• Fisheries
• Grain storage and marketing
• Poverty alleviation 
• Others (time-to-time as recognized by Bangladesh Bank)

Sustainable CMSME

• Herbal cosmetic manufacturing industries
• 100% local ingredients-based milk processing industry
• Handicrafts, Handloom and alike
• Agro feed manufacturing industry
• Jute made products manufacturing industry
• Unani/Ayurvedic/Homeopathic manufacturing industries
• Rice processing industry
• Agro equipment manufacturing industry
• Production of bio pesticide, production of organic fertilizer
• Bran wood projects
• Horticulture processing industry

Sustainable Linked Socially Responsible Financing (SRF)

 Financing/Investment through MFI (MRA Regulated)/NGO (Govt. Approved) Linkage Mode for capacity building, employment generation including self-employment.

• Financing in trading of green and agro products using ICT/online/e-business platform (as recognized by Bangladesh Bank). 
• Financing in Orphanage/Child Rehabilitation Center/Old Age Home.

Working Capital & Demand Loan for Green Products/Projects/Initiatives

• Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Assembly/ Manufacturing Plant
• Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Power Plant
• Solar Cooker Assembly /Manufacturing Plant
• Solar Water Heater Assembly/Manufacturing Plant
• Solar Air Heater & Cooling System Assembly/Manufacturing Plant
• Large size biogas having capacity 26 to 200 cubic meter gas production per day and above
• Wind power plant
• Hydropower Plant (Pico, Micro, Mini)
• Auto Sensor Power Switch Assembly Plant
• Energy efficient Cook Stove Assembly Plant
• LED Bulb/Tube Manufacturing/Assembly Plant
• Pyrolysis Processed Oil/Bio-crude Oil/Bio Fuel Manufacturing Plant
• Compost Production from City/Municipal Waste Plant
• PET Bottle Recycling Plant
• Plastic Waste (PVC, PP, LDPE, HDPE,PS) Recycling Plant
• Paper Recycling Plant
• Recyclable Bag Manufacturing Plant
• Recyclable Poly Propylene Thread and BagManufacturing Plant
• Battery (Solar/Led Acid/Lithium Ion) Recycling Plant
• Compressed Block-Brick
• Foam Concrete Brick
• Auto-Green Bricks
• Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) Bricks
• Brick Kiln Industry (as defined by MoI)/Environment Friendly Brick Kiln Efficient Project (Hybrid Hoffman Kiln, Tunnel Kiln)
• Green Industry established or being established under green-building rating system certified by appropriate authority (In Bangladesh - SREDA, Internationally - USGBC-LEED, BREEAM, CASBEE, EDGE, GRIHA)
• Financing against Work Order related to Liquid/Solid Waste Management/Disposal Project by Govt./Local Govt. entity.

Priority Green/Eco Friendly Products for Trading Sector

Priority Green Products for Trading Sector

• Solar Panel/Solar Home System
• Solar Pico Grid
• Solar Nano Grid
• Solar Micro Grid
• Solar Mini Grid
• Net Metering Rooftop Solar System
• Solar Irrigation Pumping System
• Solar Photovoltaic (PV)
• Solar Cooker
• Solar Water Heater
• Solar Air Heater & Cooling System
• Bio Gas Plant Accessories
• Waste Heat Recovery System/Unit
• Auto Sensor Power Switch
• Energy Efficient Cook Stove
• LED Bulb/Tube
• Pyrolysis Processed Oil/Bio-crude Oil/Bio Fuel

Priority Eco-Friendly Products for Trading Sector

• Jute-made products e.g. crafts, shopping bags, packaging bag
• Cane made products e.g. craft, furniture
• Biodegradable Waste Bag
• Reusable Grocery Bags
• Solar Lantern
• Biodegradable Garden Pots
• Compostable Cutlery (Forks, Spoons, Knives and Tasters)
• Compostable Plates
• Portable Solar Charging Station
• Stainless Steel, Bamboo, Thermal Water Bottle
• Rechargeable Batteries
• Reusable Coffee Filters
• Solar Powered Phone Charger
• Reusable, Non-Plastic Meal Prep Containers
• Wool Footwear and Runners
• Biodegradable Toilet Towels, Tissues and Women Hygiene
• Compostable and Biodegradable Baby Diapers
• Solar Powered Outdoor Speakers
• Natural Stain Remover and Cleaner
• Reusable Coffee Cups
• Recycled Floor Mats
• Compostable Bowls
• Recycling & Recyclable Goods

Blue Economy Financing

• Marine Sustainable Fisheries
• Marin Culture
•   Coastal Ecotourism
• Marine Plastic Pollution
• Coastal Renewable Energy
• Maritime Transport
• Green Shipyard (Ship building and ship breaking) certified by appropriate authority (compliant with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Guidelines for Safe and Environmentally Sound Ship Recycling under the Hong Kong Convention)
• Eco Port
• Marine Protection

Information and Communication Technology

• Hi-Tech Park
• Broadband Networks and IT solutions
•  Internet of Things (IOT)
• Artificial Intelligence
• Robotics

Miscellaneous

• Research and development for Sustainable Activities
• Sustainable Supply Chain Management
• Manufacture and Assembly of Green Building Products

CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY (CSR)

Being a corporate citizen, NBL understands its responsibility towards the society. NBL always strives to act as a partner in the progress of the society as well as the country. The bank has lent a supporting hand in every walk of life of the community in which it operates with special focus on the weaker and the underprivileged sections of the society.

During last few years, NBL retained its collective concentration on activities for community welfare through CSR initiatives. The Bank has provided financial support directly or in partnership with others in wider area of social life including disaster management, health education, sports & culture, community development etc. at home & abroad.

NBL undertakes CSR not just as charity and compliance issue rather an attempt to respond to all the stakeholders’ expectations more efficiently and in a responsible manner. NBL conducts its business with the multifaceted approach of creating value for the clients, shareholders and communities responsibly. We strengthened our commitment to the communities where we live and operate by establishing understandable and measurable links between bank’s operations and their positive impact upon stakeholders’ expectations. Our corporate social responsibility endeavors are rooted into our overall business strategy.

NBL is committed to fulfill its role as a responsible Corporate Citizen and to achieve the goals; the Bank established a foundation in 1989 devoted to the cause of charity, social welfare and other benevolent activities towards the advancement and betterment of the society. The Foundation encourages the active engagement of key stakeholders to facilitate developing and building community ownership by ensuring the sustainability.

Education:

Education, being one of the building blocks of the nation has got an integral focus in our CSR strategy. Our extensive support towards Community Investment Programs in education and poverty alleviation continued since 1989.

Establishment of Schools at Newly Abolished Enclaves (Chitmahal)

NBL has  established 2(two) schools namely 1) NBL Haji Lutfor Rahman High School and 2) NBL Kot Bhajoni Lal High School  for the betterment of the non privileged children of the recently abolished  enclave (Chitmohal) area. It distributed school dresses, bags, books & other educational items among the poor students of that area along with the salary of the teachers of those two schools. In addition, a fund had been allocated to set up a technical institution named as ‘NBL Polytechnic Institution’ in Chitmahal area.

Health:

Health is the greatest wealth in this world and key to success of the individual, organizations and the society. Our efforts enable employees and others to live healthier through health education and medical services. 

Environmental Stewardship

Environmental protection has got priority around the globe during recent years and we are moving towards responsible lending and integrating social & environmental impact into risk assessment. Recognizing the ecological importance, NBL is introducing internal environment management phase by phase. We are conscious of our usage of resources and working for saving electricity, water & paper consumptions. Besides, the bank introduces environment friendly financing to address the environmental challenges of the country in line with social & regulatory requirements. We have established green banking unit to address the banks' environmental policies, strategies and other related issues as per requirement.

While financing any project, we check the supporting documents regarding environmental clearance from concerned Authorities where applicable. To ensure environmental protection, we also encourage establishing Effluent Treatment Plants (ETP) of industrial set up to protect the earth from pollution.

Others:

Disaster Relief

In response to disasters where healthcare emerges as one of the critical areas of intervention, we have responded to the needs of the affected communities to create sustainable solutions. Traditionally, NBL helps peoples and the society during the times of needs. We are regularly contributing to the Prime Minister’s Education Assistance Trust, Prime Minister’s Relief & Welfare Fund for the sake of helping the poor and helpless people at the time of necessity. In 2022, an amount of Tk.166.10 million and in 2023 an amount of Tk.70.50 million had been spent for disaster, relief functions and Tk.15.20 million for Special CSR.

Art, Culture, Sports & Welfare

NBL exclusively recognizes the significance of art, culture and sports in the social life of the people of Bangladesh having rich cultural history. In view of that, Bank generously supports the activities towards promoting art, culture, sports and heritage in the country. National Bank Limited has donated for Tk.100 million favoring “Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Memorial Trust” for Helping Underprivileged and Homeless people within the purview of CSR activities of the Bank.

Customer Servicing and Loyalty

We exist to serve our customers and want to stay at the forefront of banking excellence. Customer satisfaction is the top priority of NBL and cornerstone of the bank’s overall business performance. We have widened our product range and operational area for reaching out to the doorstep of masses and achieving their satisfaction. Our aim is to meet up the demand of our customers and earn their loyalty for sustainable growth.

Employee Satisfaction

NBL believes in employee development and career progression. NBL considers empowering the people, invest in their development and reward people according to their contribution to overall corporate performance.

NBL is regularly investing for training and development of its employees. It has its own training center where various training programs designed to meet the changing requirements of its employees & organization are conducted. These training programs include orientation sessions for new employees; programs conducted by various skill-enhancing, role specific functional academies, leadership mentoring programs and other management development programs for mid-level and senior executives.

Corporate Social Responsibilities (Sector-wise)

                      Fig. in Million(Tk)

Financial Inclusion:

NBL is striving to promote Financial Inclusion across of the population having limited or no access to the formal banking system by expanding operational and service area. The aim is to improve the quality of life of people at rural or deeper geography by participating in the socio-economic development of those areas. We have expanded our business around the country by opening new branches including SME, Agri and Sub-Branches to include the mass people in the economy and improve their quality of life.

Sub-Branch Banking:

Sub-Branch Banking is now a name of pride for financial inclusion in Bangladesh under the directives and support from Bangladesh Bank. It is providing customers with full-fledged banking services, and making convenient channeling of remittance, depositing and withdrawing of cash and supporting small loans for cottage, micro and small enterprises and also for agricultural farmers at an affordable cost. Receiving of social safety net payments is no longer the troublesome experience for the beneficiaries and turning it into a convenient experience through maximum availability of 60 Sub-Branches. We are facilitating financial literacy for smallholder farmers, school children, social safety net beneficiaries and the RMG workers which is the way to make them included in the financial services.

Digital Banking:

National Bank introduced duel currency debit card and internet banking services as part of digital banking in providing financial services. NBL’s internet banking (i-Banking through iPower App) is a major development toward green banking of the bank. The bank has started a new division namely Digital Banking Division to facilitate all types of paperless banking under one umbrella.

Promoting Financial Awareness:

Besides providing various products and services to the unbanked people, NBL believes that imparting education and training to these target segments is equally essential to ensure transparency and create awareness. We have participated in various banking fair, SME fairs etc. organized by Bangladesh Bank to educate mass people and entrepreneurs about different aspects of banking. Through these programs, NBL provides credit counseling and information on savings products, better utilization of savings, credit utilization, income generation programs etc.

Sustainable Practices

We have the practices of using resources in the responsible ways.