Accelerating Climate Action: Maturing an Integrated Management System covering Environment, Health and Energy at an International Financial Institution

A leading international financial institution is dedicated to promoting sustainable economic growth and green development across the Asia-Pacific region. As a responsible and environmentally conscious organization, it prioritizes sound environmental and natural resource management, low-carbon economies, and climate change adaptation in its operations and investments. This commitment to sustainability extends to the daily operations of its headquarters in Manila, where thousands of individuals rely on its facilities.

At the core of its sustainability efforts is its integrated Energy, Environment, Health, and Safety Management System (E2HSMS), certified to international standards such as ISO 50001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001. This comprehensive system encompasses a range of initiatives, including:

1. Resource Conservation: Programs to reduce water, energy, and paper consumption, minimize waste, and promote sustainable practices.
2. Chemical and Waste Management: Effective handling of chemicals and waste to ensure regulatory compliance and minimize environmental impact.
3. Health and Safety: Initiatives to protect employees, visitors, and contractors through regular training, inspections, and emergency preparedness.
4. Carbon Emissions Inventory: A verified inventory compliant with ISO 14064-1 standards, providing insights into greenhouse gas emissions and informing reduction strategies.

Partnership for Excellence

To enhance its E2HSMS and operational excellence, the organization partnered with ECCI, a leader in compliance, risk management, and process optimization. This collaboration focuses on:

1. Optimizing Processes: Streamlining operations, reducing waste, and improving resource allocation.
2. Enhancing Compliance: Ensuring adherence to regulatory requirements and industry standards.
3. Mitigating Risks: Identifying and addressing potential risks for a safe work environment.
4. Driving Innovation: Fostering a culture of innovation to support sustainability goals.

The Solution: A Comprehensive E2HSMS

The organization has implemented a comprehensive Energy, Environment, Health, and Safety Management System (E2HSMS) with the following key components:

• Policies and Procedures: Distinct policies and procedures relating to E2HS standards have been established, covering aspects from waste management to workforce safety. 
• Stakeholder Training: The organization promotes resource conservation through staff induction, awareness events, and intranet articles
• Continual Improvement Mechanisms: The organization commits to regular audits and reviews of its E2HS practices to ensure adherence to international standards and to refine its processes continuously based on performance metrics. 
• Technology Integration: Adoption of digital tools for monitoring and reporting E2HS compliance, enhancing data accuracy and accessibility. 
• Support E2HSMS programs of the organization:  Effective management of chemicals, water, waste, energy, health & safety, paper use, and GHG programs to drive sustainability and compliance. 

Results and Impact

The implementation of the E2HSMS has yielded significant improvements in operational sustainability. Here are the key results and their impacts:

1. Reduction in Greenhouse Gas Emissions
   • The organization has established a comprehensive greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions inventory, monitoring emissions across its projects. In 2022, it purchased and offset 6,060 certified emission reductions (CERs). 
   • Scope 2 emissions decreased by 30% due to lower source emission factors from the generating plant, demonstrating its commitment to mitigating climate change and improving its carbon footprint.
2. Improvement in Occupational Health and Safety
   • The organization provides comprehensive training on occupational health and safety, encompassing basic E2HS awareness of ISO 14001, 45001, and 50001 standards, E2HSMS policy and objectives, workplace hazards, and relevant procedures, including emergency preparedness. Advanced training covers emergency response and mitigation (e.g., firefighting, spill control, first aid), chemical and hazardous waste management, incident investigation and reporting, hazard identification, risk assessment, and control, all provided to staff and service providers. 
   • This extensive training program has led to a reported 59% reduction in workplace incidents. The emphasis on safety has fostered a culture of care where staff are better equipped to handle risks in the workplace. 
   • The organization promotes worker health and well-being through initiatives like health screenings, a non-smoking policy, smoke cessation programs, and healthy food options.  
3. Enhancement of Environmental Performance
   • Successful integration of ISO standards (ISO 14001, ISO 45001, and ISO 50001) into the current projects.
   • The organization’s headquarters achieved LEED Platinum certification, demonstrating its commitment to sustainable building practices. The headquarter, initially LEED Gold certified in 2011, achieved Platinum under the performance-based LEED v4.1 in 2023.  
   • These achievements highlight the organization’s focus on resource optimization, waste management, and occupant well-being through renewable energy, energy efficiency, sustainable sites, water management, indoor air quality, sustainable transportation, waste recovery, and occupant comfort.  

Conclusion

The results and effects of the E2HSMS program from the international financial institution show a strong dedication to sustainable development. They also show big improvements in operational efficiency and stakeholder involvement. The emphasis on measurable outcomes positions the organization as a leader in implementing best practices in environmental governance, thereby contributing positively to the global sustainability agenda.

Get in touch

ECCI is committed to helping organizations achieve excellence in environmental, health, and safety management. Through our Managed Services, we become an extension of your team, offering dedicated technical support and ensuring seamless integration with your operations.

If your organization wants to enhance compliance, optimize processes, and achieve sustainability goals, we’re here to help. Reach out today to schedule your advisory session.

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