SBM Tower, Port-Louis, July 14: On Thursday, July 9, the SBM held its first awareness session on energy efficiency, an initiative heralded by its Energy Efficiency & Environment Task Force. This meeting brought together several members of the management and board of directors at the SBM, as well as representatives of the Energy Efficiency Management Office (EEMO) under the Ministry of Energy and Public Services, who shared their expert views on new regulations, good practices in energy management and levers for improving energy performance in companies.
This initiative bodes with the SBM’s overall sustainable development strategy, which considers energy efficiency not only as a regulatory requirement, but also as a real lever for operational performance, cost optimization and sustainable value creation.
“At the SBM, we are convinced that energy efficiency goes far beyond the simple framework of regulatory compliance. It is a strategic choice that allows us to reconcile performance, environmental responsibility and sustainable value creation. The first results secured demonstrate that by adopting concrete measures and mobilizing our teams, we can significantly reduce our energy consumption while achieving substantial savings. This dynamic is just beginning, and we will continue to invest in innovative solutions in order to actively contribute to the energy transition of Mauritius,” said the Executive Director and Officer-in-Charge of SBM Bank (Mauritius) Ltd, Mr. Gervais Gua.
Since the implementation of the new energy efficiency regulations, SBM has already spearheaded several concrete measures at its headquarters and its network of branches. It includes the phasing out of illuminated signs and non-essential outdoor lighting, optimization of air conditioning systems, reduction of lighting in certain areas, as well as the shutdown of digital screens. These initiatives are already producing tangible results. The Bank has thus recorded a 23 percent cut in its energy consumption compared to the same period the previous year.
Beyond the actions already undertaken, the SBM has embarked on a continuous investment path by bringing sustainable energy solutions. Among the next steps lies a pilot project for the installation of photovoltaic panels on several sites as well as its participation in the Carbon Neutral Commercial Sector Renewable Energy Scheme, two initiatives aimed at accelerating the transition to cleaner energy sources.
This first session marks the launch of a broader awareness program that will gradually be rolled out to all employees. Through training, communication campaigns, and new initiatives, the SBM intends to permanently anchor good practices within its organization and strengthen its contribution to national energy transition objectives.
