Building a better world (for investors and whales)

摘要

Bankers and environmentalists have tra-ditionally had little in common. Five years ago, inquiries from environmental organisations would have been shunted in the direction of the community affairs office. Now, the same groups are being invited in to give lectures. That, at least, is the case at HSBG. In the past three years, the UK-based bank has adopted a raft of environment-related policies and procedures. The list includes specific guidelines on dangerous chemicals, freshwater infrastructure and forest products. In May 2005, it became the first major private bank to put its name to the World Commission on Dams. Within the next 12 months, it plans to add an extractive industry policy to its growing catalogue of green tape.