Events

A Blossoming Relationship — Chiba Bank joins UNEP FI

13 July 2010 | Geneva, Switzerland

“From small acorns great oak trees grow. Chiba Bank’s joining is an important step and we shall take that message to the Secretary General”, announced Paul Clements-Hunt

The United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) welcomed The Chiba Bank, Ltd. (Chiba Bank), the second largest regional bank in Japan in terms of assets, as our new member. The UNEP FI membership of Chiba Bank became official at a signing ceremony at Palais des Nations in Geneva, after Mr. Hidetoshi Sakuma, President of Chiba Bank, and Mr. Paul Clements-Hunt, Head of UNEP FI signed the ‘UNEP Statement by Financial Institutions on the Environment and Sustainable Development’, as a sign of future cooperation in the area of sustainable finance.

“It is a great pleasure to attend this ceremony for this occasion, and I am very grateful for the support provided by UNEP FI”, said the President of Chiba Bank, Mr. Hidetoshi Sakuma. “Prior to the ceremony, Mr Clements-Hunt provided, on two different occasions, seminars on the role of financial institutions in fostering a low-carbon society. Listening to his speeches, we were deeply moved by the principles of UNEP FI and decided to join”, Mr. Sakuma added. “Taking this opportunity to fight against global warming, we look forward to UNEP FI’s support and cooperation”, Sakuma concluded.

Chiba Bank has a long history of community involvement and an active record in sustainable finance. In 2005, Chiba Bank’s low-interest fund to facilitate the purchase of emissions compliant diesel vehicles was recognized by Japan External Trade Organization as a leading environmental financial product.

Recognizing that sustainable finance is more than just a social obligation, but is also a business opportunity, Chiba Bank has recently opened Corporate Social Responsibility Promotion Office. This will help advance Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) factors, ranging from initiatives aimed at nurturing people, environment and industry, to incorporating a more general sense of environmental stewardship, both in Chiba Bank’s overall strategy as well as its daily activities.

Chiba Bank has a particularly deep commitment to its home province, and is a recognized social entrepreneur and benefactor. In July 2009, Chiba Bank also contributed to the newly established Regional Bank Volunteer Association for the Preservation of Japan’s Forests. Chiba Bank is actively involved in cleanup activities aimed at natural conservation, as well as raising awareness for the preservation of Japan’s ecosystems and biodiversity.

“We know from our conversations that Chiba Bank is one of the most important financial institutions, providing key support to the development of intermediary industries in Japan. So we are delighted to welcome Chiba Bank in the UNEP FI family”, said Paul Clements-Hunt, Head of UNEP FI. “Challenges ahead are clear in transitioning towards a low-carbon economy. Chiba Bank’s role in this process will be critical. More than just a challenge, it is also the great investment opportunity of this century, as we move towards a green carbon economy.”

“From small acorns great oak trees grow. Chiba Bank’s joining is an important step and we shall take that message to the Secretary General,” Paul Clements-Hunt concluded.

At the signing ceremony: Paul Clements-Hunt on Chiba Bank’s major role. Watch the Video…