Environmental policy

The objective of Aktia’s environmental policy is first and foremost to contribute to a sustainable development of the world around us, and then to strengthen the Group's brand. Aktia's environmental policy must be easy to understand and to implement with a reasonable amount of effort from employees to ensure that it really is adhered to.

Aktia shall:

• clearly follow applicable rules and ordinances regarding environmental issues in its activities
• carry on business activities so that attention is paid to the environmental aspect both in day-to-day work and when the bank adopts a position on important issues
• strive to reduce and prevent pollution in its activities
• pay attention to environmental issues when developing methods of distribution and new technology
• safeguard environmental knowledge and commitment among employees. All employees shall understand the significance of environmental issues from both a profitability and social perspective

In future Aktia wishes to:

• pay attention to environmental aspects for lending, equity investment and product development
• develop and offer environmental-related products such as environmental loans and environmental investments
• always strive to reduce the bank’s direct and indirect environmental impact

The environment in day-to-day work

Aktia shall minimise the amount of paper issued. In practice, Aktia is doing this by replacing many traditional letters with e-mail: customers can receive account statements, interim reports, annual reports, etc. by e-mail. The Internet is also an aid in reducing the amount of paper issued. Customers can read Aktia’s annual report, interim reports, stock market news and press releases, etc. on the Internet.

Internally, the use of paper was reduced significantly in a single stroke when the intranet was launched in autumn 2001. Directives, policies, handbooks, memoranda and discussions are published on the intranet. Much of this material is only available electronically, which means reduced use of both paper and energy and thus printing or copying and distribution. When paper is used, Aktia uses environmental paper whenever possible.

Aktia shall reduce the amount of waste. All employees sort their waste, most of which is recycled. All paper, both magazines and office paper, is collected and recycled. Confidential material is transported along a special route to prevent it being seen before it is recycled. Cardboard is collected and recycled. Used machinery is taken care of by a company that dismantles and recycles reusable parts. Used computers are recycled, some are sold to private individuals and the rest to a firm that sells second-hand computers. Used furniture is also sold to furniture purchasers or private individuals.

Aktia shall reduce the burden on the environment in connection with business travel. The bank encourages travel by train instead of by plane or private car when it is possible, and car pooling when travelling by car is the most sensible alternative. Long-distance participants participate in certain weekly meetings by telephone. Participating by telephone instead of travelling long distances saves both time and money, as well as protecting the environment.

Paying and the environment

Aktia provides the practical conditions and encourages its customers to do their personal banking and to pay bills on the Internet. This reduces the workload, energy consumption and paper use.

Saving and the environment

Aktia Fund Management Ltd offers investors use of the Roburs Environmental Fund. This invests in companies listed on Nordic stock markets whose activities are carried out based on active environmental thinking as per 21 environmental criteria.

Lending and the environment

All the bank’s financing projects are analysed. If it appears there is a risk that the company’s activities will have a negative impact on the environment, this will be the focus of specific attention in decision making. The companies’ environmental impact is current only analysed if there is reason to suspect negative environmental consequences, but in future Aktia will strive for the environmental impact to be included as a natural part of the credit analysis.

Aktia is financing several companies that are working for a better environment, including companies that recycle building and metal waste. The companies shall naturally also fulfil the criteria for lending, but being active in such business areas counts as an advantage in the decision process.