Today is United Nations World Environment Day. Fortis has jumped at this opportunity to highlight the importance of doing business responsibly and in an environmentally-friendly manner. One of its key objectives is to use 10 per cent less energy per FTE by the end of 2010.
The United Nations commemorates the environment on the fifth of June every year, with the theme this year being 'Kick the CO2 Habit! Towards a Low Carbon Economy'.
The UN's World Environment Day presents an excellent opportunity for Fortis to raise its employees' environmental awareness across the world. After all, the environment and environmentally efficient working practices are relevant to all Fortis employees, wherever they are. In 2006 Fortis's corporate focus on climate change was instrumental in the launch of its global carbon neutrality programme.
Today, the spotlight is on promoting travel alternatives for the daily commute to work as well as foreign business travel, with Fortis and ABN AMRO employees across the world encouraged to join the activities. Employees are invited to try out different kinds of mobility, such as WebEx, an internet application that enables its users to give online presentations. And Fortis CSR is marking the occasion with a photo contest, with employees asked to send in pictures of what they feel is the most beautiful example of nature this world has to offer or pictures capturing carbon reduction in action.
Over the next few weeks Fortis will be running various activities supporting carbon reduction. In Belgium, it will offer videoconference training, highlight sustainable construction and eating green, while the Netherlands is promoting public transport, buying greener cars and eco-driving. Dutch employees are also invited to 'cycle for bicycles' which are to be donated to Nationaal Fonds Kinderhulp. Employees and the experts will be debating the sustainability criteria informing bio-energy and in Singapore the implications of climate change will be the subject of a carbon reduction workshop for employees. Activities in other Fortis countries primarily focus on raising awareness to match this year's World Environment Day theme.
Fortis is an international provider of banking and insurance services to personal, business and institutional customers. We deliver a total package of financial products and services through our own high-performance channels and via intermediaries and other partners. Fortis ranks among Europe's top 20 financial institutions, with a market capitalisation of EUR 34.6 billion (31/05/2008). Together with ABN AMRO, we have a presence in over 50 countries and a dedicated, professional workforce of more than 85,000. All this makes us a leader in financial services in Europe, a top 3 private banker and a top tier asset manager. More information is available at www.fortis.com.
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