We are reducing our environmental footprint through a number of energy-saving and recycling initiatives because we recognise our responsibility to protect and enhance the environment in which we operate.

Carbon pollution reduction

BOQ undergoes annual independent carbon impact assessments which captures energy and emissions data from business units, IT applications and assets. The results show that the Bank has a low carbon footprint, which is well below regulatory reporting thresholds. We have however been able to identify a number of initiatives throughout this process to help us reduce our impact further. Following are some of the initiatives we have put in place:

• We have invested in new energy efficient equipment to reduce electricity consumption.
• Lighting and air-conditioning have been put on automatic timers to switch off when not in use.

Recycling

Paper recycling

The Bank employs secure document destruction and recycling in all corporate offices.

Mobile phones and computers

The Bank has been recycling obsolete mobile phone handsets, Blackberries and computer equipment.

Cartridges 4 Planet Arc

Printer, fax and photocopier cartridges used by the Bank are recycled by Cartridges 4 Planet Arc, with no waste going to landfills.

Guides Bag-a-cork

This partnership with Guides Australia involves BOQ branches acting as collection points for the public to drop off their used wine and champagne corks. Guides then on-sells these to a manufacturing company to recycle them into products such as corkboards and playground flooring.

Recycled products used

Where possible and financially viable, recycled products are used by the Bank. This includes paper for large quantity printing such as the Shareholder Review and Annual Report being printed on FSC Mixed Sources paper from well-managed forests and recycled sources.

Water conservation

BOQ is aware that water is a vital resource we need to protect. All taps in the Bank's head office are therefore fitted with flow restrictors.

We also choose to use waterless printing processes for some of our larger publications, including the Shareholder Review and the Annual Report.

Supplier initiatives

• The Bank includes environmental considerations in our supplier evaluation and selection processes.
• We also work with transport and logistics service providers with a focus on reducing carbon emissions from fleet operations.