Barclays energy efficiency measures cut CO2 emissions by 7%

According to the banks 2012 sustainability report, total CO2 equivalent emissions in 2012 were 998,585 tonnes, down from 1,075,261 tonnes the previous year. This also represents a 12% reduction compared with 2010 levels, exceeding Barclay’s commitment by 8%.

Energy efficiency measures include the introduction of low-energy lighting in 800 UK bank branches, high-efficiency desktops, encouraging employees to switch off lighting and equipment and efficiency improvements to US data centres.

However, it was the firm’s subsidiary, South African consumer bank Absa, which generates approximately 35% of Barclay’s total emissions, which made a significant contribution by achieving a 22% reduction compared with 2010 levels.

Efficiency measures in Absa branches included the introduction of controlled lighting, heating and air-conditioning in 180 retail buildings, and efficient lighting/occupancy sensors in 120 buildings.

The majority of the company’s total emissions in 2012 (79%) arose from the electricity used in its buildings, while 5% was from company car emissions, natural gas use and diesel generators. The remaining 16% was business travel, of which the majority is from business flights.

Leigh Stringer