CIMB Bank has opened its first branch with integrated sustainable features at the IOI City Towers @ IOI Resort City in Putrajaya, which will allow the bank to reduce its environmental impact and foster a more inclusive banking environment. These environmental and social inclusion considerations are reflected not just in the architectural designs of the new branch, but also in its daily operations.

In terms of design, the branch incorporates features that will help to reduce energy consumption and emissions, including energy-efficient cooling and lighting systems, sustainable construction materials with recycled content, and reused office furniture. Additionally, it comes with facilities and services that will make customers’ banking experience more inclusive. Among other things, there will be a priority ATM lane with improved accessibility for customers with special needs – which is a first for CIMB’s Malaysian branch network – as well as wheelchair services and special lowered counters.

To complement these efforts, CIMB is also taking an ESG-first approach in promoting its banking solutions at the branch. In other words, it will prioritise offerings like green home financing, electric vehicle (EV) financing, solar financing, ESG wealth products, B40 financing, and environmentally focused deposits.

Chief executive officer of group consumer and digital banking of CIMB Group, Effendy Shahul Hamid stressed that such branches are important to ensure that all customers feel welcome and included when banking with CIMB.

“Banking is not just about a product or service, but also about ensuring we anticipate customer requirements and provide them with the best banking experience across every touchpoint. That is why we are proud to introduce this first of its kind branch in Malaysia that fully exemplifies our commitment to social inclusion and reducing our environmental impact,” said Effendy.

CIMB also highlighted that it will prioritise the integration of sustainable and socially inclusive features into its branch network moving forward. New branches will be designed to minimise environmental impact and emissions, while existing branches will be retrofitted and enhanced with energy-efficient lighting and cooling systems, as well as enabled to tap into renewable energy. The bank will also work to equip all branches with wheelchairs by 2023, and increase the number of branches with wheelchair ramp access by 2024.

Finally, CIMB stressed that it is committed to achieving carbon neutral operations by 2030. As part of this commitment, it has already reduced greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in its Malaysian branch network by 16% from 2019 to 2022. It aims to double this figure in the next two years.

(Source: CIMB Bank)

• TAGS:
• Bank Branches
• CIMB
• CIMB Bank
• Eco-Friendly Bank Branches
• Effendy Shahul Hamid
• IOI City Mall
• IOI City Towers
• IOI Resort City